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When you think about home security, what do you imagine? Chances are that your idea of a secure home is one with locked doors and windows – but the truth is, there’s more to it than just securing your perimeter. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at a few facts about home security that may surprise you.
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Most Burglaries Happen During the Day
While the nighttime may cause greater feelings of apprehension, burglaries are actually more likely to happen during the day. Research from DCSI Security found that 62% of burglaries happen between 6 AM and 6 PM. Most people who plan on breaking into homes likely see daylight hours as a better opportunity because people are less likely to be at home, instead being at school or work.
Burglars Are Much More Likely to Avoid Homes With Security Systems
Home security companies offer the best protection from a home invasion. People who break into homes don’t like to be surprised, and a home security system is the last thing they want to encounter when trying to access your property.
In fact, research from the University of North Carolina found that having signs advertising your alarm system in your yard actually made you up to three times less likely to get targeted by burglars because it signals that you have the means to protect your home.
Most Intruders Are Already Acquainted With the Victim
Most people who have their house broken into already know the person who did it (at least in passing). Recently, it was found that over 60% of break-ins were committed by someone who already knew the victim, and they either had access to their home or information about when it would be empty.
Security Systems Typically Still Operate During a Power Outage
The majority of home security systems are still able to operate during a power outage because they use battery backups. This means that they can even operate with wireless devices even when there is no Wi-Fi. However, if there is an extended loss of power then the system could begin draining its batteries which will eventually render it useless (but you’ll likely know about this long before that happens).
Break-ins Typically Last Fewer Than 10 Minutes
The majority of home break-ins only last for a short period of time. In fact, the average is just around six minutes. What’s more surprising is that most burglars spend less than 30 seconds trying to open each door or window and once they find an entry point it typically takes them no longer than five minutes to gain access inside.
Most Break-ins Happen Through the Front Door
The front door is the most common way for burglars to gain entry into a home. This could be because it’s where they are expecting you to have your security system, or simply because it’s often unlocked. Around two-thirds of break-ins through doors were either kicked in or pried open by burglars themselves.
If You Work From Home, Your Security System May Be Tax-deductible
If you work from home and use your security system to monitor the property when it’s empty, or if you also have a separate office space that is used exclusively for business purposes, then this could qualify as tax-deductible. This depends on how much of your house is dedicated to conducting business activities (as opposed to living in it).
While burglaries and home invasions are seemingly common in the U.S., there are many things to do to protect yourself and your home.
Being educated on the different types of break-ins, knowing what time they are more likely to occur, and having a system in place for when you’re not at home is all part of being proactive about protecting your property.
