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Security Dogs Might Protect Jewelry Stores Better than Technology: Aaron Steensma on Security | July 15, 2025 (0 comments)
Gunter, TX--According to the latest crime data from the Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA), the number of criminal strikes against jewelry stores has declined year-over-year. However, despite fewer incidents, the total dollar loss has not followed suit. This troubling trend suggests that while security measures are widespread, certain strategies are becoming less effective against today’s evolving threats.
In analyzing recent high-value losses, one consistent theme emerges: determined criminals are still finding ways to circumvent advanced electronic security systems.
With this in mind, I’d like to present a less conventional, yet increasingly relevant layer of protection: security dogs.
Barking Does Scare Criminals
Throughout 2025, crime trend data has repeatedly shown that the presence of a dog (any dog) on the premises can act as a significant deterrent. The perception they project with their bark, can be one of the most powerful deterrents. One noteworthy example occurred in Southlake, Texas, where barking poodles disrupted and ultimately ended a residential burglary in progress before the criminals were able to take anything.
Criminals, including organized groups, weigh risk versus reward. When a dog is present, especially one trained in protection, the risk of being apprehended increases exponentially.
In fact, this concept is reinforced in law enforcement scenarios where officers mimicking canine barks during foot pursuits have successfully induced suspects to surrender. Why? Because even the perception of a trained K9 evokes a deep psychological fear of apprehension or injury, one that many criminals are not willing to challenge.
High Stakes Call for More Solutions
With well over $10 million in after-hours losses reported before the end of Q2 2025 alone, the stakes are high. For jewelry store owners seeking additional layers of protection, the inclusion of a professionally trained security dog could be a powerful asset. These dogs are not only capable of operating independently after hours, but they also provide an unpredictable and dynamic defense that cannot be hacked, jammed, or bypassed.
While not the right solution for everyone, incorporating a trained security dog into your store’s after-hours security posture may offer an extra line of defense, one that stays quietly in the background until it’s needed most.
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.