 DGA Security Systems recently obtained the UL 2050 certification, which accredits us to install, maintain and monitor security systems for US Department of Defense facilities and other government facilities that house classified materials, personnel and military equipment. DGA is now one of only a handful of monitoring centers to receive this designation.
As an article in Security Systems News states, “UL certifies only those that have highly trained employees, are effectively staffed, provide extensive training, have appropriate backup procedures in place and follow UL-specific processes. The UL 2050 is a standard that describes the monitoring, signal processing, investigation, servicing and operation of alarm systems for which a national industrial security system certificate has been issued by UL.”
 As seen in the NY Times, New York City’s storefront security gates have been the “unnoticed wallpaper of New York at night.” While the gates are often defaced by graffiti, they have served to protect the valuables that hide behind their metal shield. However, last week, the City Council passed legislation limiting, and in some cases, banning their use.
The bill, which passed unanimously, applies to almost every storefront business and is intended to deter graffiti, to beautify neighborhoods and to help law enforcement and firefighters see inside stores when needed. Businesses with existing gates will have until July 1, 2026 to install new gates that conform to the law. Acceptable gates will allow at least 70 percent of the area they cover to be visible. Any gates installed after July 1, 2011, must comply with the new requirements. Read the full article here.
 With the price of gold at an all time high, jewelry store owners and pawnbrokers who offer quick cash for gold have seen a recent influx in the number of customers selling old jewelry and coins for some extra holiday cash.
The holiday rush is always a hectic time for business owners, but an increase in customers looking to sell rather than buy (a new phenomenon), is an important reason to monitor your business extra carefully this season.
Protecting your valuables and the valuables of your customers makes your business more secure.
Security Systems News just released an article on DGA’s recent achievements including our 40th anniversary and move to our new headquarters building.
 Year after year, bargain-hungry shoppers awake in the wee hours of the morning on the day after Thanksgiving to brave the crowded malls to receive some of the lowest prices of the season. The combination of cash-strapped consumers with recession-friendly pricing can present challenges for store owners, who know that safety is top priority.
A walletpop.com article shows how safety-conscious retailers like Best Buy are getting ready for 2009’s Black Friday. “Best Buy stages trial runs at most stores the Sunday before Thanksgiving, to help store managers make last-minute changes to traffic-flow and safety.” Read the entire article here.
In addition to practicing safety drills with employees, it is important to notify your security company of your change in holiday hours, so that they can continue to keep your business more secure.
 DGA is currently seeking outside sales consultants for our Manhattan territory and entry-level sales consultants for our sales development program. DGA’s commitment to providing top-tier benefits and fostering a dynamic, progressive corporate culture has allowed us to build a talented and stable team. These positions are based out of our headquarters near Columbus Circle. For more information click here to reach the careers page of our website.
Founded in 1969, DGA Security Systems has been protecting New York’s businesses for 40 years. During this anniversary year, DGA became the first company to be honored with both of the industry’s highest awards in the same year. In October, Stanley Oppenheim, DGA’s President, was presented with the Stanley C. Lott award from the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) in recognition of his many years of service to the alarm industry. The Lott Award is not given each year and is reserved for those whose contributions to the industry have been most significant.
Earlier this year, DGA was named the CSAA Central Station of the Year. Selected by a blue-ribbon panel of industry experts, the award is given to a company which has achieved exceptional customer service and a distinctive level of professionalism in the security industry.
“We are humbled by these awards,” said Stanley Oppenheim. “They are a testament to our talented and highly trained staff. We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding customer service, and are deeply honored to have that level of service recognized.”
To best meet the needs of its growing customer base, 2009 also marked DGA’s move into its new 45,000 square foot headquarters building located near Columbus Circle. With a state-of-the-art computer network and communications infrastructure, DGA’s new headquarters gives the company the space and resources to maintain its status as the largest independent provider of security and fire systems in New York. This new building complements DGA’s award-winning 24-hour monitoring center located in the heart of Manhattan, at 5th Avenue and 47th Street.
“Over the last 40 years I’ve learned that giving great service to our customers requires a talented team and hard work,” said Stanley Oppenheim, “We hope that our continued commitment to service and technology will allow DGA to support our customers during the next 40 years.”
For the full press release, click here.
 On Friday, November 6, the Yankees will celebrate their 27th World Series title in New York fashion, with a “ticker tape” parade up the Canyon of Heroes. From lower Broadway all the way to City Hall, the Yankees will be surrounded by a sea of floats, confetti, cheers and NY fans, all of whom will be lining up in stores to get their hands on Yankee apparel and souvenirs.
With mobs of excited NY fans, store owners should follow these tips to make sure their business is protected:
- Be sure to set any burglar alarms and lock all doors when your business is not open
- Keep an eye on your video surveillance system and add more cameras if necessary
- Assign one or two employees to man the doors for crowd control
- Contact your security company if you plan to close your business for the day
We are proud to announce that DGA Security Systems founder and President, Stanley Oppenheim, was honored by being the 2009 recipient of the prestigious Stanley C. Lott Award. The Lott Award is presented by the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) to recognize those whose contributions to the industry have been most significant. Mr. Oppenheim was presented with the award at the CSAA’s annual conference which was held last week in Athens, Greece.
More information on this prestigious award to come.
 Video surveillance footage catches identity theft criminals in action. Two woman combined an Oklahoma woman’s stolen ID and a Kansas man’s stolen checkbook to give themselves an ill-gotten spending spree at a Sam’s Club store in Midwest City, Oklahoma. While this sort of more sophisticated criminal activity is becoming more common, the police and store owners are armed with more advanced technology as well. After reviewing the footage from the Sam’s Club video surveillance system, the police were able to catch shots of the two criminals leaving the store.
Video surveillance protects your business in many ways, and helps protect your customers.
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DGA Security Systems recently obtained the UL 2050 certification, which accredits us to install, maintain and monitor security systems for US Department of Defense facilities and other government facilities that house classified materials, personnel and military equipment. DGA is now one of only a handful of monitoring centers to receive this designation.
