Home burglary statistics are alarming. Did you know, for example, that if you have a home in an urban centre, you have about a one in three chance of having it burgled? Statistics Australia-wide are a little better, with approximately a quarter of all homes experiencing a break-in or attempted break-in at some time. There is a way to fight back, though. If you have the right home security system, you can tip the odds in your favour.
Options in Home Security
There are three basic options in home security:
- Auditory home security systems are alarm systems. They are intended to frighten burglars away and alert authorities to their presence.
- Visual home security systems deter burglars by making a dwelling appear to be too great a risk to enter.
- Physical security systems block entry to the home.
The ideal solution to home security is to include aspects of all of these options in an integrated home security system.
Alarm Security Systems
Alarm systems today run the gamut from basic motion detector alarms that activate sirens to sophisticated systems that can be wirelessly activated, alert security patrols, and even provide a video feed to your internet-connected device. Closed-circuit TV (CCTV) systems are a popular option that provides security in two ways:
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- The video feed can be watched live and recorded for future reference by a 24-hour monitoring service. Infrared cameras provide visual imagery even in the dark.
- Positioning cameras both inside and outside the home tells potential burglars they are being watched. This alone often makes them look elsewhere for a target.
Visual Home Security Systems
Burglars are opportunists. They look for homes that offer them the greatest opportunity to enter and leave undetected. They will look for places to hide at the sides or back of the house and for quick entry points. Some ways you can make your house look unappealing to intruders include:
- Keep the sides of the house free of shrubs and other objects that intruders can hide behind.
- Motion-activated outdoor lighting at the sides and back of the house can be a powerful deterrent to burglars.
- Security screen doors tell intruders they have to negotiate two sets of doors before they can enter a home. This can be enough to make them look elsewhere.
Physical Home Security Systems
Statistics show that 80% of home intruders enter through the front or back door. One of the cheapest and most effective ways to keep them out is to replace your standard door locks with deadbolts. Get a local locksmith to come over to your home and replace all your entry door handles and locks with high-security locks and deadbolts. While they’re at it, have them take a look at your windows. They may be able to install locking window bolts for you, or you can call a local handyman, who can probably do the whole job in a couple of hours.
For double protection, also get security screen doors, and you may even want to have security bars or screens installed on some or all of your windows.
The ultimate option in home security is arguably a home automation system. One of these can be connected with your computers and mobile devices, allowing you to turn lights, your TV, and even some appliances on and off, making it look like someone is home even when the house is empty. You can check the locks on your doors, and if someone forgets to lock up, you can do so remotely. With video cameras installed strategically throughout the house, you can monitor activity and/or allow your home security company to monitor it for you.
You can leave your home as it is and take a gamble that you will not be the victim of a burglary, or you can improve your odds and stack the deck in your favour. Which do you prefer? It’s hard to put a price tag on home security, but isn’t it good to know that you don’t have to pay a high price to get higher security?
