Burglaries decreased substantially from 2012 to 2022 (the most recent year of data available), according to the FBI. However, burglaries rose 26% between 2021 and 2022, reaching nearly 850,000 — still a significant number, considering that the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer contains data from only about two-thirds of American law enforcement agencies in that period.
It’s likely no coincidence, then, that home security systems have become much more advanced over the past decade. However, not all security systems are created equal. Here are five ways to maximize the effectiveness of your alarm system to prevent burglaries.
1. Display your home security system clearly.
According to the FBI, more residential burglaries occur during the day than at night. What burglars see outside your home could make a difference. Accessories such as yard signs and window stickers can help broadcast your security system’s existence.
“These are crimes of opportunity,” says Geoff Kohl, Senior Director of Marketing at the Security Industry Association. Kohl cited a 2013 study led by a researcher from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, which found that over 80% of perpetrators would check a home to see if there was an alarm system or any security technology — and usually go to a different location if they spotted anything.
“If you have a system, make sure you sign it,” Kohl says.
A sticker on a window might not be enough, though. Burglars may still check for an actual camera or keypad. Also, several alarm companies warn that fake stickers or signs mimicking an actual security company may violate copyright laws.
If you have actual security equipment, make sure those items are “extremely visible,” Kohl says. Hidden cameras have their value, but an outdoor camera in a prominent location can deter burglars. Many outdoor cameras are wireless, so you don’t need to sacrifice location for power.
2. Protect entry points first.
According to the FBI, in 2019 (the most recent data for these statistics), 37.8% of burglaries were unlawful entries. This means the perpetrator did not use force to enter the home, such as breaking windows, picking locks or forcing doors open — they simply walked in.
Investing in a smart door lock with a keypad that requires a code, especially a lock that can be locked and unlocked remotely, can provide vital protection for your home’s primary entry point — and give you peace of mind if you’re away from home and can’t remember if you locked the door, Kohl says.
“A key can be copied, and once it’s copied, you don’t know where it is,” he says.
Smart deadbolts are one way to give a friend or service provider access to your home for a limited time period — say, two hours to fix the plumbing or walk the dog — with a one-time code.
Even in cases where burglars do “break and enter,” they’re typically still using entry points, forcing open garage doors, windows or doors. With this in mind, securing your home’s entry points should be a priority, especially if you have a limited budget or are just getting started with home security.
If you’re ready to add to your system, door/window sensors that alert you when an entry point is open are a great next step. Some companies even make specific sensors for garage doors.
3. Leave the lights on (sometimes).
“You don’t want to broadcast the fact that you’re not around,” Kohl says. “If your house is the only house on the street where the lights have been out for two weeks, and if someone’s in the area and is maybe looking to perpetrate a crime, they’re probably going to notice that.”
If you’re planning an extended vacation, make sure you have someone to collect your mail, especially if it lands at your front door. Also, recreate some human activity. Many home security systems can turn lights on and off at scheduled times, simulating your typical daily routine even when you’re gone. There are even devices that mimic a TV flicker. Invest in proactive deterrents for your home security system. Outdoor cameras with motion-activated floodlights can startle intruders and alert you to any suspicious activity. Additionally, consider adding sensors to doors and windows that trigger a loud siren when your system is armed, providing an extra layer of protection.
Even with deterrents in place, it’s essential to have professional monitoring for added security. This service can alert authorities in case of a break-in, even if you are unable to respond to alerts yourself. While some companies require a long-term contract for monitoring, others offer flexible options for short-term activation without a commitment. Prices typically range from $20 to $40 per month.
Professional monitoring can provide peace of mind and ensure that emergency services are dispatched promptly in the event of an alarm. Don’t leave your home’s security to chance – invest in active deterrents and consider professional monitoring for comprehensive protection. following sentence in a different way:
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