Let’s imagine that there are five houses in a dead end. Two are protected by security systems and three are not. What do you think are the easiest targets for the thief? If you said the houses without the security systems, you would be correct.
Actually, the first preference most burglars have is for the house to be unoccupied, in order to avoid confrontations. They then look around the perimeter of the house to see if there are any signs or decals indicating that a home alarm has been installed. Here is the first tip. After installing a security system, make sure the company’s stickers and signs are strategically placed around your home. These logos are a particularly effective way to prevent theft.
If you don’t already have an alarm system installed, there are some protective steps you can take in the meantime to keep your home safe. Always have window safety latches turned to the locked position. The National Fire and Burglar Alarm Association reports that each year about 23 percent of break-ins occur through a first-floor window. Take the time to take a quick trip around the house to check all the windows.
It is also important to lock all the doors in the house: the back door, the side door, the basement entrance, etc. This may seem like an obvious home security tip, but many times people just remember to lock the door they left through. Also, in case you don’t have deadbolts installed on all of your doors, it’s a good idea to install them as soon as possible. Deadbolts are absolutely necessary, as thieves can easily pick most common locks. Lastly, if your home has sliding glass doors, invest in a metal security bar that will prevent the doors from being forced open. Standard locks on these doors are often faulty and easy to pick.
Even though homes with home alarm systems are up to four times less likely to be burglarized, the occasional dumb thief will still try. Alarm systems offer about a 60 percent rate of stopping the thief, according to the NBFAA. While this number may not seem extremely high, it is 60 percent higher than homes without installed alarm systems.
Also, since heated competition among security companies has resulted in price battles, installing an alarm system is more affordable than ever. You even have the option to lease a system if you decide not to buy it. Installation fees may be waived. Occasionally, it is also possible to pay an initial fee in exchange for lower monthly fees. However, no matter how you work out your home security system deal, you should be able to find a reliable service for less than $50 per month. Not to mention, you can save a lot of money on your home insurance. Many insurance providers offer significant discounts for homes with security systems, given the lower burglary rate. Without a doubt, though, the best value for your money comes in the form of peace of mind.