Are Home Security Systems Effective and Do I Need One

In recent years, property crimes have been a real concern. What we categorize as ‘property crimes’ includes everything from burglaries, attempted burglaries, and vandalism. Do burglar alarms really work? Well yes, it is a statistical fact that home alarm systems act as a deterrent. Burglary is often a spontaneous and opportunistic crime. Burglars tend to target homes with no security systems in place, poorly lit homes, and unoccupied homes which explains why many break-ins occur during the daytime hours when homeowners are away.

Security Systems Studies

Many studies have been done on why and how burglars target certain houses. Questions like ‘do alarms really work’ and ‘do security systems prevent burglaries’ are commonly examined in these studies. Preventing a break-in of your house starts with being aware of the risks. Let’s look at some of these studies below:

UNC researchers in North Carolina performed an in-depth study on what motivates and deters burglars in: ‘Through the eyes of a burglar’. Their key findings were that burglars tend to stay closer to home and they target homes that are in less trafficked areas of the neighborhood. Their planning is extensive, and they look at certain features such as escape routes and whether a security system is present. The study found that 60% of burglars will be turned around by a security system and will look for a softer target to break into. The study also found that burglaries are motivated mainly for financial gains.

In 2019, University of Portsmouth examined in a virtual environment how burglars pick a target to burgle. Dr. Claire Nee concluded that there are several ways to protect your home from a break in. One of the ways that she suggests can protect your house is to make it seem as if someone is home, burglars mainly target unoccupied dwellings. With that she also recommends avoiding having areas around the exterior of the house which could make for a convenient hiding spot for a burglar. In addition, it is valuable to invest in a security system and lighting around the outside of your house.

A comprehensive study was performed by Rutgers University in examining the effects of security systems on burglaries. Dr. Seungmug Lee, author of the study in collaboration with the Newark Police Department concluded that houses or buildings with a security system were drastically less likely to be broken into. The study also shows that the recent decline in property crimes can be linked to the advancement of technology and how easy and convenient it is these days to protect your house. Security systems have become more and more accessible, and this study proves that it is the perfect deterrent not just for burglaries but an array of crimes.

Security Systems Statistics

We live in dangerous times, and it is important to be aware of the risks to avoid becoming a statistic. On average over 1 million homes get burglarized per year, this boils down to a burglary every 20 seconds or so. Do alarm systems really deter burglars? Studies have concluded that 60% of burglars would walk away from a house with an alarm system and look for a different target. In other words, having a reliable security system, in addition to good lighting and a gate or fence can decrease your chances of becoming a victim of burglary.

Pros and Cons of Security Cameras

Before making the important decision whether a security system is important to you, you should gather as much information about them and their capabilities. Are security systems effective, and can they prevent burglaries? Deterring from criminal behavior was the reason security systems were invented. They are an extra layer of protection. A security system will deter crime, it will allow you to monitor your property 24/7, it will facilitate evidence gathering, and it will ensure you can keep detailed records of the activities on your property. However, security systems may come at a financial cost. There are typically monthly payments, installation, and setup fees that discourage people from investing in it. It comes down to preference: leaving your house vulnerable or giving it a fighting chance. There is nothing more valuable than peace of mind.

Pros and Cons of Burglar Alarms

Home burglar alarms deter burglars, and they are highly effective and convenient. How effective are burglar alarms? When activated and triggered, home alarms will emit a loud beeping sound that will make many burglars run away from the scene. Burglar alarms, once triggered, will also alert the authorities of an intrusion, and they will notify you at once. When they call, and a code can’t be correctly provided, they send officers to your home to investigate. This, in addition, to your security system, can allow you to rest easy that your home is protected. However, it can also leave you with a false sense of security because not every burglar will be deterred by the alarm, it isn’t 100% full proof. In addition, you also must remember to set the alarm prior to leaving your house. Home alarm systems are a vital tool to keep your house safe, the pros outweigh the cons.

Do I Need a Burglar Alarm and Security Cameras?

When asking whether a security system or burglar alarm really works, we must think of the approximately 3000 to 4000 homes burglarized per day across the United States and ask ourselves why to play Russian roulette with our homes. Crime will always be a feature of our society; this may be an unfortunate fact that none of us can control, but we can control how we react to it and deal with this problem. A burglar alarm will help you alert the authorities in the case of a break-in, and they can respond quickly to capture the perpetrator. In-kind, a security system equipped with indoor and outdoor cameras allows you to monitor your home from afar. Your security cameras must be strategically placed, location is key when getting a security system installed in your home. The dim reality is that homes with no security or burglar alarm systems are at a higher risk, and it is wise to think about preemptive measures rather than trying to pick up the pieces after a crime has occurred.

There is a misconception that only houses that look a certain way will attract burglars, but it is a fact that property crimes can happen in all neighborhoods. Even though the statistics may seem a bit gloomy, it is worth it to plan.

Contact Forbel Alarms today to learn more about intrusion detection and video surveillance solutions that will need all your security needs.