There has been an increased focus on cyber-safety since the pandemic caused more and more of us to work remotely; connect with friends online; and fulfill chores, like grocery shopping, online—but how often have we considered the security of our homes or businesses?
Even though many of us stayed at home for the majority of the last two years, and countless companies pivoted their in-store experiences to focus online, physical security was still a real issue. In 2020 and 2021, home burglary remained an issue even though people were (for the most part) present. While this might seem unexpected, it actually makes sense—in times of economic uncertainty, with many people out of work and the economy in a state of uncertainty, people begin taking desperate measures to secure some form of financial assurance—even theft.
One major issue that contributes to burglary is that people often underestimate their safety requirements. It is important to have a solid understanding of how these incidents happen and what weak spots currently exist in your security system (if you have one). Crime has evolved past the point of relying on deadbolt locks—there are many other things to consider.
On average, there are 2.5 million burglaries every year, and home invaders are three times more likely to target properties that don’t use a security system. And here is where the main issue lies: only 17% of US homes use a security system.
While some cite cost as their reasoning for not installing a security system, investing in safety is investing in peace of mind, and many systems cost less than the amount we spend on Starbucks each week. It’s time to consider how we can all have more peace of mind this year.
Simple Tips to Keep Your Home Safe
Home security is more than locking your doors and windows and relying on a Neighborhood Watch sign on your street. Installing an intrusion system is a simple way to make sure your home is safe, not just when you’re out of town, but any time of day or night.
The technology around security systems is constantly changing to stay ahead of burglary tricks and trends. An up-to-date system with the latest in alarm technology ensures dependability, no matter the size or location of your home. Companies like AEC Alarms offer web-enabled alarm systems, which allow you to manage and monitor your home security system from anywhere in the world (or at least anywhere with internet access). This allows you to use your computer or smartphone to gain access to real-time control and management with video footage of your property. This can make a huge difference in real-time response and overall peace of mind, allowing you to unplug and focus knowing that all of your belongings are safe.
Other simple tricks to ensure your home is secure? Never announce on social media that you are going out of town. Posting this information on such a public platform makes it easy for burglars to scope out which houses to vandalize, knowing that the residents won’t be walking in at any minute. Additionally, ask your trusted neighbors to keep an eye out for your home. Ask them to collect your mail and deliveries (so that it isn’t evident that you have not been home for several days), maybe even shovel your driveway if there is snow, and generally keep up appearances while you’re away. Another simple trick is to set certain lights in your home on timers so that it appears that people are in your home at night. If all of the lights stay off all of the time, it becomes too obvious for potential burglars to identify that no one is home.
While it is important to take all of these precautions, the biggest step to reducing your risk of burglary is to install a comprehensive alarm system. Whether you are looking to prevent home invasion or want a comprehensive CCTV surveillance system, this is a vital first step in protecting your property.
