The holiday season brings cheer, celebration, and a surge in property crime. December often sees an increase in crime rates.  As foot traffic increases and staff attention is split across seasonal operations, commercial properties become more vulnerable. 

Virtual Guard from EyeQ delivers the holiday protection that your business needs to remain safe and secure.  

Here are five smart ways to holiday-proof your property. 

1. Understand Seasonal Risks & Vulnerabilities 

The holidays amplify common security threats: 

• Increased foot traffic in retail areas 

• More deliveries and valuables on site 

• Adjusted staffing schedules and external contractors 

• Longer hours of darkness 

Parking lots, building entry points, and staging zones are especially susceptible to loitering, break-ins, and organized theft. Recognizing these vulnerabilities is the first step to securing your property. 

2. Leverage 24/7 Hybrid Monitoring via Your Security Operations Center (SOC) 

An effective SOC uses both AI and trained professionals to detect, assess, and intervene against threats in real time. Unlike traditional surveillance, a hybrid SOC doesn’t just record incidents, it stops them. Our US-based team monitors your property 24 hours a day to ensure complete coverage. 

At EyeQ, the average response time is under 90 seconds for AI detection, human verification of a threat, and live audio or escalation. When second matter, EyeQ delivers. 

3. Prevent Loitering & Perimeter Threats 

Loitering is often a precursor to theft or vandalism. It’s especially problematic in parking lots, lobbies, and poorly lit areas. Prevent loitering with enhanced lighting and AI powered active monitoring that can respond to issues in real time. 

4. Use Live Audio Voice-Down to Intervene in Real Time 

Live audio intervention allows security teams to issue warnings through loudspeakers the moment suspicious behavior is verified. This form of active deterrence is critical when police or on-site staff can’t respond immediately. 

EyeQ’s SOC integrates live voice-down with AI detection, boasting an increase in both deterrence rate and risk reduction. 

5. Risk Reduction vs. Guard Surge Costs 

Many businesses often hire additional guards for high premiums and extra overtime fees during the holidays, but hybrid monitoring offers a cost-effective alternative. 

EyeQ clients have reported: 

• Up to 60% savings on guard expenses. 

• Fewer incidents requiring repairs or insurance claims 

• Safer environments that improve customer and tenant satisfaction 

6. Make This Holiday Season a Safe One 

While the holiday rush brings challenges, it also offers a chance to prove your property’s readiness. By understanding seasonal risks, upgrading to AI-powered cameras with live video monitoring, and implementing real-time deterrence, property managers can dramatically reduce risk. 

Contact us today to ensure your property is ready for the holidays.