6 Things You Should Know About Burglaries

If you are like most Americans, most of what you know about burglaries is shaped by the media, rather than facts. Television programs, movies, and even video games do much to shape what we think is true—and those assumptions can put us in danger.

Here are six facts that dispel common misconceptions about burglary and home protection.

Everyone should be concerned about burglary.

Everyone should be concerned and aware of the possibility that their home could be a target. Four burglaries happen every minute in the US. According to the FBI 2012 Crime report, we can expect one in every thirty-six homes in the United States to be burglarized this year.

Thieves are not afraid to use the front door.

National crime statistics show that 33 percent of burglars enter the home through the front door. Even more concerning many gain entrance through an unlocked door!

Burglaries happen most often when you are not home.

While in the movies thieves sneak in homes under the cover of darkness, in real life thieves try to avoid burglarizing a home while people are home. 65% of burglaries happen between 6 am and 6pm, while most people are at work.

A Neighborhood Watch program alone is not enough to deter or catch crime.
A neighborhood watch or even an eagle-eyed neighbor is great to have but not enough to rely on if you really want to protect your home. The average burglary lasts only 8 minutes. Intruders are spotted by chance and even then not usually in enough time to get caught in the act.

Home alarms are helpful in alerting and deterring crime.

A recent study performed by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology found that most criminals do all they can to determine if a home has a home security alarm system before attempting to commit a crime. In fact, a vast majority of convicted burglars say that they specifically avoided homes with security systems. Equally important, if an alarm sounded, they admitted to leaving, quickly and immediately.

Home Alarm Systems are amazingly affordable.

If you thought home alarm systems are expensive, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that there are systems to fit every budget. Further, a system can actually provide long-term savings as many home insurance providers provide discounts for homes protected by security systems, and preventing a crime also prevents the additional cost of raised insurance premiums as well as the emotional damage caused by crime.

Crime is costly, but protecting yourself and your home is not. Call JM Resources today for more information on home security systems.