A.A. Safe & Security Company

Security Solutions for Life

By Colleen Hughes

“Dedicated to an ever evolving industry of security solutions for the better good of our community and beyond.”

What started as a key cutting and lock change store is now the largest security center on the central coast for all facets of your security needs. Established in 1956, A.A. Safe & Security Company is now owned and operated by Scott Edelstein. Scott moved to Santa Cruz in 1994 to start his own security business, and then in 2001 purchased his largest competitor; AA Safe & Security Co. Scott’s company is now a full service locksmith and security company serving both the Central Coast and the South Bay areas. With requests for commercial and residential security getting busier on the South Bay, AA Safe & Security may soon have a store in San Jose.

An important part of A.A. Safe and Security Company business is residential. That is, providing security systems for people who are just trying to protect their homes and families. No one wants to come home and find that criminals have violated it and that valuables and their sense of security have both been lost.

“Physical security is a big deal.” Most home break-ins happen through the front door,” said Scott. The latest trend in break-ins is “Key Bumping.” Standard front door locks can be (picked) or bumped open and most homeowners are unaware of just how vulnerable they are. WikiHow (to do anything) offers instructions and diagrams on how to bump a lock open. It even provides a list of locks that are “bump proof.” A Bump Key kit can be purchased over the Internet: BumpMyLock.com, ACEHackware.com and ProBumpKeys.com just to name a few. Edelstein says; Prevention is easy, just contact AA Safe & Security Co. to find how to make your locks pick and bump proof.”

Scott talked about the company’s sole focus. “We are a solution based company providing tailored security solutions to meet most budgets. Security systems are a loss & liability management tool. This is a proactive step in the prevention of loss. What we are teaching our clients is a better way to be empowered. We provide quality installations including (but not limited to) Surveillance systems, Access control systems, Door Hardware, Keyless Entry Systems and Loss Prevention Alarms.”

Technology has come a long way in its ability to provide safety conscious consumers with multi level security options. Scott told us about one such provider of a security solution named Medeco who created the e-cylinder solution.

E-cylinders are a Smart Key technology that includes not just a Smart Key, but also a Smart Lock. It is a complete audit and forensics security product.

AA Safe and Security Company can provide their clients with this customized software / electro-mechanical system. This particular security system has the ability to track each individual key and lock I.D. code that is recorded in both the key and the cylinder of the system. We are then able to distinguish between employees, company vendors or janitorial service end users. Companies no longer need to re-key their building when a key is lost or after an employee has left the company. Rather the end user or AA Safe and Security Company can just delete the employee’s key from the system. Scott said, “These keys cannot be duplicated either.”

The Smart Key system also allows for the creation of various time schedules for any time of the day or night allowing access only the authorized personnel into the building. For example, your janitorial service may have a limited time access schedule, say between 6:00pm & 8:00pm to gain access to the building on their specified workday. Another feature is that all keys can expire each year allowing for the owner to re-assign the keys and or audit the total number of keys in the system, account for lost or stolen keys that were not reported and create new schedules for employees or a baby sitter as needed.

Scott added “The e-cylinder / smart lock & key technology” have been big for us. The security industry estimates that most new construction will be built with some kind of smart / intelligent opening technology by the year 2024.” He was proud to say “We were the largest Logic smart cylinder / key dealer in the country last year.”

There are many major companies and institutions that trust AA Safe & Security with their physical security needs. They have completed or are currently working on large systems with clients that include Stanford University, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, MCM Diversified, UCSC and Cabrillo College.

One familiar place that locals will have the opportunity to experience an A.A. security system is at Pleasure Point Beach. This famous and popular surfing area requires that beach goers have a magnetic card to get through a magnetic lock having a holding force of 2400 lbs activated by its card reader. Surfers and sunbathers can get a free access card at the Freeline Surf Shop on 41st Avenue.

Scott at AA Safe & Security Co. also acts local first. Last year the company also had their first annual Lock Out Hunger event to raise money for the Second Harvest Food Bank and hunger in Santa Cruz County, and also has a history of donating to other great organizations in the County.”

They are located at 712 Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz but you don’t have to be local to order your security supplies from A.A. Safe & Security Company. Visit their website at www.aasafe.com or call them toll-free at 1-800-577-3365. Locally, call them at 831-423-5415.

A.A. Safe & Security Company is fully licensed and bonded with a C-28 Contractors License 767441 and LCO #1026.

Whether your security need is for residential, commercial automotive, industrial, schools or government use, A.A. Safe & Security Co is there for you.

AA Safe & Security Co. “Dedicated to protecting your safety, lives and property.”