According to the FBI, burglary is defined as "the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft." In 2021, there were an estimated 1,827,840 burglaries nationwide. This represents a decrease of 3.4% from the 2020 estimate.
However, burglary rates vary widely from state to state. For example, in Vermont, there were just 940 burglaries reported in 2021, while in California there were over 300,000. The vast majority of burglaries (67.2%) are classified as forcible entry crimes, meaning that the burglar used physical force to break into the home or business. The rest are classified as an attempted forcible entry (23.9%), burglary of an unoccupied structure (7.3%), or burglary of a vehicle (1.6%).
Why Home Security Systems are Important
While many of us would like to believe that most burglars are sloppy, lazy, or just unorganized, the truth is that from the victims of burglary we've spoken to, and the ex-burglars we've consulted with, there is some amount of planning and preparation that goes into targeting a specific home. While not on the Ocean's Eleven level of planning and prep, there are reasons why some homes are targeted over others. While most of us would like to think that our homes are secure and that we've covered all the bases, the reality is that it's better to be prepared and know what are the potential signs and signals burglars look for.
Understand your location
While we can't change where we live, it's important to understand that some areas are more prone to burglaries than others. According to crime data from the FBI, most burglaries occur either in high-traffic or rural areas. There are a few reasons for this. First, in more rural areas, there are often fewer neighbors around which makes it easier for a burglar to target a home without being seen. Second, people in rural areas are often less likely to have a home security system which is one of the best ways to deter burglars.
Of course, this doesn't mean that you should move to a city if you're concerned about burglaries. Many cities have a much higher police presence which can help deter and catch criminals. Additionally, most people in urban areas are more likely to have a home security system which is one of the best ways to protect your home from burglaries.
Look at your home from a burglar's eyes
A home is attractive to a burglar for two reasons. One, it looks expensive on the outside which means there is a high possibility of expensive items within. Two, it looks undefended, meaning access into the home is fairly easy. The doors are always unlocked, there is no dog on the premises, the window ACs are not properly secured, and so forth. To a burglar, the first option has the highest risk/reward ratio as expensive homes usually have top-notch home security systems and the owners would have invested in higher-quality doors, windows, locks, and such. The second option is essentially a no-brainer since while the payoff might be smaller, so is the risk.
Take notice of patterns
Burglars often target homes when they know the residents will be away. This could be during the daytime when everyone is at work or school, or late at night when people are asleep. If you notice any patterns in how and when your home is being targeted, it's important to take steps to change those patterns. For example, if you notice that your home is being targeted on weekday mornings, consider changing your routine so that you're home during that time. If you notice that your home is being targeted at night, consider investing in a home security system with motion-activated lights.
Be aware of your surroundings
As we mentioned earlier, one of the reasons burglars target specific homes is because they appear undefended. This could be because there are no neighbors around, or it could be because the residents are not paying attention to their surroundings. If you're not aware of what's going on in your neighborhood, it's easier for a burglar to target your home without being seen. To help prevent this, get to know your neighbors and make sure you're paying attention to any suspicious activity.
Living Alone
If you live alone, you're at a higher risk of being targeted by a burglar. This is because there's no one else around to deter or catch the burglar in the act. To help protect yourself, it's important to take extra precautions such as investing in a home security system, keeping your doors and windows locked, and being aware of your surroundings. Additionally, it's a good idea to have a friend or family member check in on you regularly to make sure everything is okay.
The bottom line is that burglaries are often crimes of opportunity. This means that the burglar is looking for an easy target. To help protect your home, it's important to make it as difficult as possible for a burglar to target your home. This includes things like investing in a home security system.
What to look for in a Home Security System
When it comes to home security, there are a lot of different factors to consider. First and foremost, you want to make sure that your home security system is properly installed and that it includes all the necessary components. home security systems typically include door and window sensors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and more. You'll also want to make sure that your home security system is connected to a monitoring center so that someone is always keeping an eye on your home. In addition, you'll want to choose a home security system that offers features like remote access and two-way audio so that you can keep an eye on your home even when you're not there.
Other factors to consider are:
Reliability: You want a home security system that you can count on. Look for a system that has a good reputation and that comes with a warranty.
Ease of use: A home security system should be easy to use, so you'll actually use it. Avoid systems that are complicated or difficult to operate.
Scalability: As your needs change, you may need to add or remove components from your home security system. Look for a system that is scalable so you can make changes as needed.
Affordable: Home security systems can range in price, so find one that fits within your budget. Don't sacrifice quality for cost, but don't overspend on features you don't need, either.
By taking the time to consider all of these factors, you can be sure that you're choosing the best home security system for your needs.