Test Your Knowledge: Home Security Fact Sheet
We all would like to think that we are fairly knowledgeable about burglary and home security. The truth is however that our perceptions are greatly influenced by things like television and movies as well as the myths that are often perpetuated in popular culture. To see where you stand in your home security knowledge, check out this fact sheet.
Do Most Burglaries Happen Under the Cover of Darkness?
No. Most movies portray burglaries happening stealthily, with the burglar darting from tree to tree, lurking in the darkness of midnight. The truth is that most burglaries happen between 9 AM and 3 PM.
Most Homes Are Difficult to Get In Without Keys.
Unfortunately, this is not at all true. On average, it takes a skilled burglar only 60 seconds to get into a home.
Burglary is Not Common.
Actually, it is far too common with home break-ins happening every 15 seconds somewhere in the United States.
Burglars Want Big Expensive Items, Right?
It is far more common for burglars to want expensive, small, portable, and easily sold items like jewelry, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Burglars are not Usually Brazen Enough to Break into the Front of a Home, are They?
An open window visible from the street is the most common point of entry for break-ins.
Burglars Don’t Have Time to Check for Unlocked Doors and Windows.
Many people rely on the home that neighbors will hear their home being broken into with the sound of glass break alerting them to trouble. This is highly unlikely as 30%b of all break-ins occur through an unlocked door or window.
Aren’t Commercial Properties More Susceptible to Crime?
While some commercial businesses are susceptible to certain crimes, such as shoplifting, burglaries of residential properties accounted for over 73% of all burglary offences.
Do Thieves Care About Security?
Studies show that thieves do care about home security alarm systems and are far more likely to bypass a home with visible home security systems in place.
All Alarm Systems Are Essentially the Same.
This is one of the most unfortunate misconceptions about home security systems. There is a vast array of systems and components that can go into a security system, as well as many brands. Each of these have different capabilities and compatibility concerns.
DYI Systems Are Just as Effective as Professionally Installed and Monitored Systems.
While DYI systems might have some of the same or similar components, part of the effectiveness of all systems lies in the professional knowledge that comes with working within the industry. Every element in a home security system must be appropriate for the task as well as expertly employed and placed to true security benefit.
Home Security Systems do not Really Reduce the Likelihood of Burglary.
Statistic show otherwise. FBI burglary rates state that 1 in 3 homes without a home security system will fall victim to burglary, compared to 1 in 250 with a home security system in place. If you are concerned about your home security, give Lifeline Fire & Security a call. As a premier provider of monitored home alarms and commercial security systems throughout Hawaii, we are happy to serve you.
Mariette Lowe
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