During the 1960s and 1970s, property crime rates spiked across the US, and they peaked in the 1980s before subsiding again in the 1990s. Since then, they have continued to go down, until today when they’ve hit a 50-year low.
But there are reasons for these kinds of ups and downs. In part, they reflect societal trends. But the introduction of advanced home security systems beginning around 25 years ago has been a big part of the reason for burglary rates sinking to historic lows.
But don’t rely simply on the general stats. Localized conditions can be greatly more dangerous than the national average. Plus, going without home security devices will increase your chances of being targeted by savvy crooks.
You can investigate the details of how modern home security works at consumer-friendly sites like homesecurityseek.com. But before you get started on your “deep” research, consider these basic home security facts:
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1. Unsecured Homes Are Targeted
Burglars frequently “case” homes ahead of time and only take risks on “safe targets.” If they notice surveillance cameras, security placards, and other signs a home security system is in place, they usually avoid that home.
And considering only around one home in seven has a modern security system in place, it’s not as if burglars suffer from a lack of easier targets. Thus, you greatly reduce the risk of being targeted by simply being prepared and making that preparation visible to would-be thieves.
2. Suburban Homes Need Extra Protection
You might think that big-city homes would be more frequently burglarized but that is often not the case. In fact, suburban homes in low-traffic areas are hit around 50% more often than the average.
Why? There are fewer people around to become potential witnesses. These homes usually have less protection and more accessibility via windows on all sides of the building. There are also normally a lot of bushes, trees, and other objects to hide behind in making the approach and the escape.
3. More Break-Ins Occur In the Daytime
This stat is especially surprising and alarming: about two-thirds of residential burglaries occur during daylight hours. The most common time is between 6 am and 6 pm when the house may well be empty if everyone is away at either work or school.
Burglars don’t like to have a run-in with a homeowner. They’d prefer not to be seen and not to risk a higher-level felony if burglary turns into armed robbery and they get caught. Not surprising after all.
4. Many Burglaries Occur Via “Unlawful Entry”
About one in three burglaries happen because of “unlawful entry” as opposed to “forcible entry.” That is, a door or window is left unlocked or even open, and the thief just waltzes right in. Now, you should not leave inviting entry points to would-be thieves but almost everyone is going to forget to close/lock a door or window at some point.
Home security systems have sensors on doors, windows, and all entry points. They also have motion sensors inside and security cameras (both visible and hidden) inside and outside. That means thefts can be prevented by scaring off burglars of catching them in the act even if your window/door was left open.
5. Home Security Systems Can Save You Money!
Most homeowners don’t realize that they can get a significant discount on their homeowners insurance policy (with most insurance companies) by installing an up-to-date home security system. Plus, they prevent property damage and loss from thefts from ever being attempted!
Don’t reach a wrong conclusion by today’s historically low burglary rates. Modern home security systems are not thereby made superfluous. Instead, they are a big part of the reason for this welcome change!
