Statistics on home burglaries in America underscore the importance of properly securing your property against theft. About every 20 seconds, a burglary is perpetrated in the United States, and the vast majority of these break-ins take place in residences that do not have security systems. Thieves may be indiscriminate when it comes to stealing jewelry, electronics and other valuables, but they are selective when it comes to identifying easy targets. Studies have shown that burglars avoid properties that are equipped with video surveillance and/or alarm systems.
Here are some surprising facts about home robberies that may encourage you to take action and ensure your property is adequately secured.
Two-thirds of burglaries happen during the day
Many people are under the impression that most home robberies occur under the cover of darkness, when in fact more than two-thirds happen in broad daylight (between 10 AM and 3PM), while you’re at work and the kids are off at school, leaving an empty house.
Over 60 percent of burglars enter through the front door or window
Unlocked entrances, whether your front door or a ground-floor window, provide easy access to your home and valuables. Experienced thieves don’t think twice about walking right through your front door, as brazen as it seems. When you are out, always ensure doors and windows are closed and locked, and keep shrubbery near ground floor windows trimmed back.
$2,316 – the average property dollar loss per home burglary
The most recent crime clock statistics from the FBI are from 2015 and show the average dollar loss per home burglary is just over $2,300. These figures pale in comparison to the emotional costs suffered by victims, who feel traumatized, violated and may fear for the safety of their families.
Homes without security systems are 3X more vulnerable to break-ins
Less than 20 percent of households in the U.S. have residential security systems installed. The reality is that most home break-ins are considered preventable. By taking simple precautions such as locking windows and doors and alerting potential intruders of a residential security system with window decals, home owners can gain the upper hand, and make their property much less attractive to thieves.
According to a report compiled by UNC’s Charlotte Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology, about 60 percent of convicted burglars indicated that the presence of cameras or an alarm would cause them to seek an alternative target altogether.
Tailored security solutions for all needs
There are many types of advanced residential security systems that can help safeguard your property and family. Maryland Security Professionals offers a wide range of security solutions to fit within your budget and individual needs.
To learn more about residential camera installation, or to schedule a free onsite analysis of your home, please contact us today.
Home Burglary Resources:
- FBI, 2015 Crime Clock Statistics, https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2015/crime-in-the-u.s.-2015/resource-pages/crime-clock
- AIREF.org, Understanding Decisions to Burglarize From the Offender’s Perspective, http://airef.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/BurglarSurveyStudyFinalReport.pdf