It is clear that there is an obvious need for the individual home owner or business owner to take even more responsibility for their safety and security as law enforcement agencies cannot do the job alone. It is a concerted effort by all that makes for improved safety in our homes and workplace. Is there any available data to support the correlation regarding home security systems and the prevention of crimes such as burglary?
A survey conducted at Temple University in Pennsylvania showed that 81% of residential burglaries occurred on the first floor of the building. Thirty-four percent (34%) of the intruders entered through the front door; 23% through a first floor window; 22% through the back door; 9% through the garage; 4% through the basement; 4% through an unlocked entrance; 2% through a storage area; and only 2% entered anywhere on the second floor.
A second study conducted in Connecticut showed that 12% of burglaries occurred through an unlocked door and that 41% of alarmed homes that were burglarized, the security system was not on.
Homes without security systems are about 3 times more likely to be broken into than homes with security systems. (Actual statistic ranges from 2.2 times to 3.1 times, depending on the value of the home.) Businesses without alarm systems are 4.5 times more likely to be burglarized than commercial locations with electronic security in place. Losses due to burglary average $400 less in residences with security systems than for a residence without security systems.
What about the potential dangers of a burglary occurring when the occupants are present? This situation in itself presents a very dangerous threat to the homeowner or business owner. Recent data under study indicates that an increased number of burglaries are occurring when the residents are present, and in some cases physically threatened by the intruder. But once again, those dwellings equipped with Home Security Cameras Systems deterred the intruder even though the attempt was made and the potential threat was avoided.