What makes security systems effective

After much consideration, we attributed this statistic to the lack of education available regarding home security. It can be difficult for anyone to really know if they need a security system or which system works best for them. We created this guide to help our readers determine the value of a home security system in their lives! Here, we address key questions about home security systems, including their pros and cons, effectiveness, and necessity.

I have never been robbed before and I feel like my area is safe. Our point, however, is that burglaries happen, whether we want to admit it or not.

In a review of FBI records, statistics told us that there were 1. Plus, over 70 percent of those burglaries occurred on residential properties, a fact that makes us think homeowners and renters should be particularly concerned.

Join us on our journey to find out below. Between and , researchers at Rutgers University studied crime data from the nearby Newark Police Department. Their results led them to conclude that residential burglar alarm systems decrease crime, a fact that matched our original expectation. Seungmug Lee, an associate professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Texas at Arlington, explained that the study determined that even a single house equipped with an alarm made the surrounding area less enticing for burglars.

More so, he noted that the security systems seemed to do this without displacing crime to other neighborhoods. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!

A clear-cut way to prevent crime , home security systems have a few advantages. Of course, they have their disadvantages too. As experts in the security industry, we understand both sides. We believe our readers should examine each side of the coin before committing to or deciding against a security system. A research study by the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at the University of North Carolina surveyed more than convicted burglars about how they accessed the homes they robbed.

From their findings, we learned that most burglars used doors or windows that were already open or that they forced open to enter the home. We read a special report from the U. Department of Justice and UNC that echoed the research mentioned above. Personally, we also have glass break sensors in case someone decides to break in forcibly, and our motion sensors capture any unexpected human motion inside or around the perimeter of our home.

These simple tools notify us with smart security systems as soon as one of our sensors goes off, which makes it easy for us to snap into action as soon as a possible burglary began.

The one time we were entirely unsure why our alarm went off, we immediately live-streamed our footage and recorded the potential criminals on our property with our smart security cameras and video doorbell camera. It turned out it was just our in-laws coming for a surprise visit. We are grateful our system seems to keep criminals away.

We love how easy it is to protect ourselves from 70 percent of all burglaries! Another reason we support home security systems is that they often lead to discounts on home insurance.

Knowing this gives us increased confidence in our home security system. As we dove more into the academic research we compiled, we discovered experts identified several factors burglars consider when selecting a target:. Now, if the security system is set up with professional monitoring, the control panel will immediately notify the monitoring station.

Once the monitoring station personnel are notified of the security breach, they will take necessary action, which usually begins with a call to the homeowner. Most often these are false alarms someone forgetting their alarm was set and opening a window; the family dog setting off a motion detector; etc. But break-ins, burglaries, and home invasions do happen. And so the monitoring staff will reach out to you — in less than one minute from the breach — and even call the police or first responders on your behalf if needed.

To check out our results on the most responsive security companies, read our guide to the best home security company response times. If the security system is not set up with professional monitoring, it is considered a non-monitored, or self-monitored system. There are loads of great do-it-yourself DIY security systems that secure the home in this way.

However, it is up to the homeowner to contact police or emergency personnel in the event of a security breach. Home security systems also work in a less-direct way. Many would-be burglars are deterred by even the idea of a security system — because they work! Deep Sentinel Yard Sign in our yard.

The benefits of owning a home security system cannot be overstated. Did you know that homes secured with an alarm system see much fewer break-ins than homes without a system in place? This makes sense, as the vast majority of criminals are opportunistic and are after the easiest target — the path of least resistance. The truth is, home security systems should be thought of as any other appliance in the home.

Especially since they have become incredibly affordable and much easier to install and use. But how do you really know if a security system is right for you, and not just another thing to purchase in hopes of easing paranoid delusions?

Most households will find at least some benefits to owning a home security system. From Abode to Xfinity — and loads of others in-between — the list of home security companies is growing all the time.

We linked to dozens of companies below, but this is just scratching the surface. We showcase the companies that we believe are worth looking into. But the truth is, there are literally hundreds, maybe even thousands, of security companies on the market. Note that some of the largest companies, such as ADT and Brinks Home Security, are not ranked because such detailed information was not publicly available or they did not report it to SDM.

Companies that reported fewer than 1, residential subscribers are not included in this ranking. Perhaps most interesting about our list above is the diversity of home security companies represented. Each company takes a different approach to home protection. Each company has a particular target demographic, a specific philosophy, value proposition, company culture, etc. And while no company is a great fit for everyone , every company is a great fit for someone.

On second thought, we do the homework for you! All you have to do is keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the systems and the different providers.

The last thing you want is to be taken for a ride and find yourself upside-down in your security system. While finding the right home security system to fit your needs should be your main focus, the cost will likely be a major consideration. Check out our in-depth safety and security resource guide for more.

However, most security systems also have installation fees, activation fees, and sometimes even equipment fees, as well as taxes and surcharges to add on. You might be surprised at what you find. Home security companies rent out equipment, too. And the cost of the rented equipment is often built into a higher monthly fee. Alternatively, you may be required to buy the equipment upfront, which often results in a lower monthly fee. On the other hand, it could end up costing you more than if you had rented the equipment and paid a higher monthly fee, but with a much lower upfront price.

Did you notice the pricing comparison chart above lists the four different cost breakdowns? Now notice how none of these companies charges only a monthly monitoring fee. They each have other costs to factor in — from installation and activation costs, to equipment costs. This is typical of most home security companies. So keep it in mind while shopping around to find the best value on home protection. Now consider your personal living situation.

Do you own your home, or are you renting? This matters greatly, as it will influence the type of system you choose and the money you will spend. When you own a home , you have different factors to consider when choosing a security system. Homeowners typically stay in place for longer than renters, so they often choose a system with longevity in mind.

This allows them to spread the costs over a longer period of time. Also, homeowners can make major changes or modifications to their home, so this might influence their decision. SimpliSafe Base Station Closeup. They may also be hesitant about spending a lot of money to purchase a system they may not be able to take with them when they move. Also, there are contracts to consider. A renter must be careful not to lock themselves into a contract they might not be able to get out of.

Quite the contrary — more and more companies are offering fantastic security systems for renters at affordable prices. FYI: Thinking of taking your home on the road? Learn about some easy security options for recreational vehicles in our thorough buyers guide to RV security systems. This might seem counterintuitive, but the reason is that most major security companies that lease their equipment require a minimum three-year contract and professional installation, which can be a big commitment for a renter.

But if you purchase a DIY system, it moves with you when you go. To set up and take down most DIY systems takes minimal effort. If you own your home, and are planning to stay awhile, you may want to choose a more permanent solution with a lower upfront cost but longer contractual obligations. Did You Know: Amazon is pretty generous on doling out home security systems deals and discounts on Prime Day. Sorry to bother you. As for how they entered, there were a variety of answers, but many of the inmates who responded simply kicked down the door.

The inmates were less likely to break a window. Doing so would risk them cutting themselves, which would mean they were injured and may require medical attention, but also it could mean leaving behind drops of blood with which they could be identified. Additionally, they mentioned that neighbors were more likely to be alarmed by the sound of breaking glass, as opposed to one loud bang from kicking in a door. Small dogs were unsurprisingly not a deterrent at all.

Other interesting items on the list of deterrents were things like hearing a television or radio on, seeing lights on in the house, a car in the driveway, or even seeing blinds or curtains open. All of these things signal that a person might be home.

So assuming the home invader who has just broken into your home is really just someone after your valuable belongings, these simple things may deter them from choosing your home to target. Alarms and security systems had mixed results among the inmates.

Some felt they were a deterrent, while others knew how to either disable them or get around without setting them off. A former criminal-turned-consultant interviewed for the story also pointed out that people attempting to invade homes looked in well-off neighborhoods where there was more privacy surrounding homes. Privacy trees or shrubs often served as welcome mats for criminals because they were less likely to be seen by neighbors.

Homes situated further apart, and in quiet neighborhoods where there was less likely to be a lot of foot traffic were also hot spots.

The very neighborhoods we choose that make us feel safe and secure — the calm, quiet streets with plenty of privacy between neighbors — are actually making us more enticing targets for criminals.

As the inmates in the survey suggested, home security alarm systems can be an effective deterrent for criminals. If someone is trying to get into your home unnoticed, setting off an alarm is the perfect way to spoil their plans.

Because security systems are a pain in the butt. Depending on the home security system you install, you may have motion sensors placed strategically around the interior of your house, as well as the usual placements in the entrances to the home, and cameras. In the meantime, the rest of your house remains armed — the upstairs sensors are activated and all the door sensors are ready to alert the alarm company if a door opens.

The kids can get up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, and no one will set off the alarm system.