Burglary Rates Are Increasing

According to the FBI, burglaries increased 1.3 percent in 2006 compared with 2005. Victims of property crimes lost more than $4 billion in cash and belongings as a result of a burglary. Unfortunately, many of those burglaries happened at someone’s home. The FBI estimates that every 15 seconds, a home in the United States is burglarized.

Along with burglaries, home invasion robberies are also increasing. These terrifying crimes occur when someone forces their way into a home while someone is there. Victims of home invasion robberies have been raped, stabbed, beaten and shot and many people have been killed. In July 2007, a Connecticut doctor was severely beaten and his wife and two daughters were murdered after two men forced their way into their home. These crimes shatter the belief that home is the place where we are safest. This false sense of security reinforces the belief that “It can’t happen to me.” Usually it is only after a homeowner has become a crime victim that he or she decides to install a home security system.

According to statistics, a home without a security system is two to three times more likely to be burglarized. Still, many people don’t see the added benefits of a home security system and many more buy one and keep it turned off.

A home security system can protect your home in many ways:

• Most thieves will avoid a home that has a “Protected by” sign in its yard or on a window. Thieves do not want to get caught!

• If someone tries to break into your home during the day, the home security alarm company will notify you and the police immediately. Most thieves will run once the alarm sounds, again in fear that they will be caught.

• Often burglars will strike at night as a family sleeps. These bold thieves often attack a family as well. An alarm will signal police and alert the family that an intruder is in the home.

• You may be insured, but money cannot replace the loss of a treasured family heirloom taken in a burglary. Even is someone is arrested for a burglary, the property is often not recovered.

Many families think they cannot afford a home security system, but some companies offer installation for as low as $99. Monthly monitoring fees can be as inexpensive as $25-a small cost for peace of mind.