In 2008, there were 2,222,196 burglaries in the United States — one every 14.6 seconds, according to the Uniform Crime Reporting Program clock.
A burglar alarm is a proven deterrent. In fact, according to the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, a house with a home security system is almost three times less likely to be broken into than one that doesn‘t have one.
But while lots of home are broken into every day, many more aren’t. So how can you determine whether or not you should invest in a burglar alarm system?
The first step is to research crime statistic in your city or town. Your local police department should be able to help. Or check with your local library. There are also several websites that provide crime statistics online.
Although statistics never tell the whole story, if you live in a town where the burglary rate is twice the national average, your chances of being victimized are much greater.
Next, take a closer look at your neighborhood. If you have a local Block Watch program, they can probably provide you with specific information. If not, ask your neighbors if they’ve had any trouble or heard about any break-ins in the area. Do any of them already have home security systems?
Now, ask yourself a few questions about your street. Are your neighbors home during the day? Are the homes on your block fairly close together and clearly visible from the street? Are there dogs on your street? All of these things make your block less attractive to burglars.
Finally, have you done everything you can do to deter thieves like trimming the bushes near your doors and windows, installing deadbolts and other security devices, and making your house appear occupied when you’re away?
Once you’ve gone through this exercise, you’ll probably know whether a burglar alarm is worth the investment. These days, the average cost of a home security system is around $1,500 and monitoring runs an additional $24 a month. Since the average loss from a burglary is $2,079, a burglar alarm system will pay for itself if it prevents one break in.
To learn more about burglar alarm systems visit http://burglaralarmtips.net. Find out how to choose the right system at http://burglaralarmtips.net/choosing-the-right-burglar-alarm-system-for-your-home.
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