5 Alarming Stats Everyone Should Know About Home Security

Here are 5 facts about home burglaries that will make you think more about your home’s security.

Whether you live in downtown Charleston, North Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Kiawah Island, Daniel Island or any other part of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, something that can’t be overstated is placing a high priority on keeping your home and family protected.

To further establish this point here are some rather surprising facts about burglaries compiled from the FBI and other alarm industry organizations:

1. 30% of burglars enter through an unlocked door.

What this means:

Often homeowners forget that their first line of defense are their physical security assets like door and window locks, gate and garage door locks (if necessary), and bright exterior lights.

What you can do:

Get into a daily/nightly routine with your family for checking the doors, windows and other entry ways into your home. Do this both when you leave your home and before going to bed at night. Keyless door locks can help you lock your door if you forget.

2. 33% of intruders enter through the front door.

What this means:

This stat is quite surpising because most people think of burglars sneaking into back doors and upstairs windows, but an alarming number of front doors aren’t equipped or are not strong enough to handle a forced entry.

What you can do:

If you have a hollow/light front door, look to replace it with a heavier wood door with no windows. Have a security expert check your deadbolt locks and door handles to ensure integrity.

3. 25% of burglars have cut phone or alarm wires.

What this means:

Many homeowners have their homes pre-wired for home security systems and use older, wired alarm systems for home security which can be easily cut and bypassed by a knowledgeable burglar.

What you can do:

Opt for wireless home security systems with cellular alarm monitoring. Cellular alarm monitoring also allows for more flexibility with home automation systems.

4. 60% of repeat burglaries happen within one month of the first burglary.

What this means:

If you’ve been burglarized once there’s a good chance you could be burglarized again — and it will happen within the first month after the burglary.

What you can do:

Though there’s a lot of pain and thoughts associated with being a victim of a burglary, look into getting a security system for your home as soon as you possibly can.

5. Homes without alarm systems are 3 times more likely to be burglarized.

What this means:

Burglars look for alarm system installations before attempting a burglary; those without are much more likely to get hit.

What you can do:

Reduce your chances of becoming a victim of a burglary: call your home security company and request a free consultation.

Sources:
Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Fire Protection Association and the Alarm Industry Research & Educational Foundation,EXPLAINING REPEAT RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES: AN ANALYSIS OF
PROPERTY STOLEN, Ronald V. Clarke Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Center For Problem-Oriented Policing