20 Nov Do Home Security Alarms Stop Burglars?
Home security systems have come a long way. Today, they can be wired or wireless and can include video surveillance, video doorbells, door and window sensors, motion detectors, and remote monitoring via an app.You may wonder how effective security systems are at keeping burglars away. Here, we take a look at how burglars work and how home security alarms stop them in their tracks.
The case for alarm systems
The cost of a home alarm system can stop people from investing in protecting their home and family. They may also convince themselves that a burglar choosing their home is unlikely or that their neighborhood is safe and won’t experience such events. It’s important to understand that crime can happen anywhere and that alarm systems do more than protect against burglary.
A home alarm system can also alert you to fire, carbon monoxide, and environmental issues that can affect a home. A break-in occurs every 26 seconds in the US, according to The Zebra. In 2022, the FBI reported 847,522 burglaries. As mentioned, burglars may target any home. One of the best things you can do to reduce the risk of burglary is to install a home security system. The Zebra also states that burglars are 300% more likely to break into homes without a security system in place.
Is your home a target?
It’s becoming common knowledge that many burglars do research before deciding to break into a residence. Burglars don’t want to waste their time on houses that are occupied and protected. To target homes that will benefit them, they case neighborhoods and specific houses before making their move. Here are some signs you might notice if a burglar is targeting your home:
- Flyers and advertisements: While receiving flyers and other paper advertisements to your home is normal, it may be an attempt for burglars to see if a premise is occupied and when. They may stick these papers on your car, front door, or partially under the front doormat. As soon as someone notices these flyers, remove them so that it’s clear the property is occupied.
- Unknown cars or people loitering: People walking or cars parked in the neighborhood that aren’t usually there could be a sign someone is checking out the area for the perfect target. Jot down license plates and details of the cars’ suspicious vehicles in case the information is needed later.
- Requests for help: To see if and when someone is home, burglars may knock on a door to ask for help, such as use of the phone or bathroom, or request a glass of water.
According to Forbes, most burglaries occur during the daytime, as burglars know that many homeowners and occupants will be at work and school during those hours.
A home protected by an alarm system is less likely to be broken into. Unfortunately, 75% of homes do not have a security system and are 60% more likely to be targeted by burglars.
Investing in a home alarm system can provide you with the peace of mind to know that your family and home are protected 24/7.