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December 31, 2006

Why You Should Have a Home Security System

Trying to decide whether or not you should purchase a home security system?

The most basic home security systems include a control panel, a keypad, a siren, door contacts and motion detectors. These basic features are adequate for simple home protection against burglars but some people may opt for more advanced home security systems that incorporate more advanced features. Home security systems may include window contacts, glass break detectors, panic buttons and medical alert buttons. You can also get smoke or heat detectors giving you fire protection as well.

The cost of a home alarm system can be a turn off when looking only at the bottom line cost. When you are confused about whether or not an alarm system is right for you consider the affect, the feeling of personal violation and the costs and inconvenience involved if you do not have an alarm system and become a victim of burglary.

Consider some of these facts about burglary and break-ins. These facts are taken from the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program.

In 2005, law enforcement agencies reported an estimated 2.15 million burglary offenses. An examination of 5 and 10 year trends revealed a 1.8-percent increase in the number of burglaries compared with the 2001 estimates. Burglary accounted for 21.2 percent of the estimated number of property crimes committed in 2005 with an average dollar loss per burglary of $1,725. 65.8 percent of the 2005 burglary offenses were of residential structures. 62.4 percent of residential burglaries occurred between the hours of 6 am and 6 pm. 58 percent of nonresidential burglaries occurred at night.

What these facts tell us basically is that burglary is on the increase and that the average loss is $1,725. We can also take from these figures that a house is more likely to be burglarized during the day, conveniently, when most homeowners are at work, between 6am and 6pm.

The Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program defines burglary as the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft. The use of force to gain entry need not have occurred to classify an offense as a burglary. The Program has three sub classifications for burglary: forcible entry, unlawful entry where no force is used, and attempted forcible entry.

Insurance companies recognize the value of having an alarm system in your home as well. Most companies will give you a discount based on the level of protection and rather or not you have your security system monitored. They know that having an alarm system in your home will save them money as well.

Given these facts it is definitely worthwhile for any homeowner installing a home security alarm system or some kind of home security product. The cost of home security systems has dropped tremendously in the last few years due to advancements in technology. Most home alarm systems will still leave you with a chunk of change should you be unlucky enough to become one of the statistics. The average loss of $1,725.00 is on average double what an alarm system will cost. Let alone from the financial cost, other factors such as peace of mind are surely worth consideration when deciding whether or not to have an alarm system installed professionally or installing one yourself.

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