According to the Department of Justice, just over 3.7 million burglaries occur each year on average. If that statistic doesn’t concern you, it should. Installing a home security system is the only way for most homeowners to have peace of mind.
The question, however, how do you choose a home security system that fits your unique and specific household. There are, after all, several different types of alarm systems available. But first, let’s take a look at some more staggering burglary statistics.
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12 Staggering Burglary and Home Invasion Statistics
- Every five minutes, unlocked doors and windows facilitate about 23 burglaries.
- Some home invaders don’t even need to turn a knob. In about 30 percent of these incidents, residents unlock and open their doors for intruders.
- Roughly 90 percent of standard locks are vulnerable to a special type of key that criminals use to simply unlock them without any force needed.
- Insurers often refuse to provide compensation because victims can’t produce evidence of a break-in.
- One in four burglars cut security systems or phone wires before they enter your home. This is a major reason to consider using an alarm with wireless monitoring.
- Approximately 83% of convicted thieves say they attempt to determine whether or not a home has a security system before trying to commit burglary.
- 1 in 3 non-violent invasions involve criminals familiar to the victims
- Each year, burglars cause property damage and losses that cost Americans over $4 billion.
- Victims and insurers spend nearly $13 million per day on repairs and replacements.
- Although business theft makes the news more frequently, the FBI reports almost 74% of burglaries happen in residential homes.
- Each burglarized home has been targeted an average of 1.9 times. Criminals often return because they know how to break in and where to find valuables.
- Approximately four out of five thieves benefit from online social networks. Posting details on Facebook about your vacation is just an advertisement of an empty standing home.
- It’s rather difficult to find thieves after they leave the scene of the crime, and police in cities often have higher priorities. The authorities only succeed in arresting about one out of eight burglars.
These statistics reveal the importance of locking doors and making an effort to conceal valuable belongings. They also show that a sophisticated security alarm can greatly enhance your safety.
What Type of Home Security System Should I Get?
There are three major types of home security systems to consider when you start to browse your options.
Monitoring, or Self-Reporting
This is a system that connects to a security service via your landline, mobile phone, internet connection, or all three.
The benefits of a monitored security system are obvious. Even if you are not at home, someone will always be watching. And in the event of an emergency, the police or medical services can be dispatched at the touch of a button. The downside to landline and wireless internet, however, is that phone lines can be cut, and a power outage causes DSL and cable internet service to become unavailable. Cellular services, on the other hand, are almost always available, and modern home security systems come with many safety nets to prevent any interruptions to your service altogether.
Installation or Service-Based
The service-based home security system can be either installed by a professional or DIY. These can be hard-wired or wireless. The benefit of having a professional install your system is that you know for certain that the install is done correctly.
The installer will also show you how to use the system. In older buildings, using an installer is beneficial because older homes can be problematic. A local professional will better understand how to solve those problems.
If you choose to install the system yourself, you have the benefit of taking all your equipment with you when you leave. This is highly beneficial for renters especially. However, you are often limited to a wireless system only that takes upwards of 40-minutes to install – provided you know what you are doing, and if it breaks you will be responsible for the costs associated with replacing it.
Professionally installed equipment is almost always owned by the security service company. That means they pay for upgrades and replacement systems as well as replace faulty equipment free of charge.
Security Plus Systems
Security plus systems refer to a home automation system that includes a security detail. Many homeowners opt for partial or full house automation systems that revolve around a home security unit. These systems range from basic and easy-to-use, or if you want, control your home from the palm of your hand. Programmable features like remote access, HVAC controls, lighting controls, doors, automated curtains/drapery, or several other compatible appliances.
These systems can save you money on heating and cooling costs, and they add a massive element of convenience to your lifestyle.
Which System is Best for You?
If you rent, then the DIY system may be better for you simply because you can take it with you when you move and you don’t have to depend on a landlord for your own security. Renters often shrug responsibility until they become a victim of a burglary.
If you own your home, professionally installed self-monitoring systems are likely the best choice. Homeowners may also be more interested in home automation systems that include security. These systems give you control over many systems within your home and offer the convenience of remote access and controls from your smart device.