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Gunter, TX--Social media success and living a lavish lifestyle are symbols of influence and achievement. People frequently post and over share information to garnish likes, views, and recognition. The reality is this display of information is a tool used by criminals to identify and qualify targets. Under the surface of all the social media buzz sits another vulnerability that is less known, your publicly accessible data. Public records and sensitive information legally collected, sold to third party venders, which is inevitably is published on the internet for all to see. 

The widespread availability of public records and the failure to protect one’s digital footprint have contributed to a troubling rise in targeted crime like home burglary, swatting, stalking, harassment and violent home invasion robberies. Even high-profile/ famous individuals frequently overlook the importance of removing their home address from publicly accessible data sites, resulting in easy identification and heightened vulnerability. This growing threat has become increasingly evident over the past year, as professional athletes have experienced a surge in burglaries and robberies at their private residences.

For jewelers, the stakes are just as high. Criminal networks are keenly aware that many jewelers personally possess high-value pieces within their homes. Sophisticated offenders recognize that private residences often lack the robust defenses of commercial storefronts, making them an attractive target. In today’s environment, comprehensive digital and physical security is not optional, it is essential.

Whether you’re an independent jeweler or a C-suite executive overseeing dozens of locations, this topic is extremely relevant. Considering the alarming number of jewelers who have been targeted and robbed in their home since January 2025, the urgency to act has never been greater.

To mitigate these risks, I strongly recommend the following measures:

1. Eliminate Your Digital Footprint – Systematically remove personal information from publicly accessible online databases.
2. Curate Your Online Presence – Be selective with what you and your family share on public social media, particularly regarding your residence or personal routines. 
3. Elevate Home Security – Invest in layered, proactive security measures designed to deter and defend against sophisticated threats.
4. Consult a Professional – Partner with an expert who understands the evolving tactics used by today’s criminals and can provide discreet, tailored protection strategies.

In today’s fast paced, public world, safeguarding your personal information extends beyond individual protection, it is an act of care for those you love. Targeted crimes at home affect every member of a household, disrupting peace of mind and leaving lasting emotional impact. A single preventative step such as removing your digital footprint can dramatically impact the likelihood of becoming a target and help preserve the security, privacy, and well-being of your entire family.

Aaron Steensma is the President of Fortified Castle Consulting and a retired Police Detective in the North Dallas/Fort Worth area who specialized in residential and commercial burglary, theft, and robbery investigations.  Fortified Castle Consulting is a company dedicated to supporting individuals and organizations through the development and implementation of robust security strategies aimed at crime prevention and threat mitigation. Fortified Castle Consulting owns The Castle Vault, a 256 bit encrypted, SOC 2cybersecurity compliant Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that allows users to safely store high-definition images and appraisals of valuable assets in a centralized online system. In the event of theft, natural disaster, or fire, users can easily download their stored data in PDF format and share it as needed.  To reach Aaron, call (903) 207 0941 or email him at aaron@fortifiedcastleconsulting.com. For more information about Fortified Castle Consulting, please visit the website at www.fortifiedcastleconsulting.com.