We’ve been at this a long time.
After more than 70 years of helping people stay safe with smart home security systems, for better or worse, we’ve seen a lot of scary stuff. Our approach to safety is holistic, so we’ve helped customers face medical emergencies, life-threatening fires, extreme weather conditions, and more.
But you know what really gives us goosebumps? It’s not ghosts. It’s not spiders, or clowns, or ghouls, or vampires. What really gets us at Guardian Protection is a lack of awareness about home security. It spooks us to hear that anyone doesn’t feel safe in their home — the one place that’s just for you.
Some emergencies are unavoidable. And while it’s not always possible to prevent them, it’s possible to prepare. And it chills our bones when people don’t!
We’ve found one of the best ways to encourage preparedness is through education. When you know what the risks are, it’s easier to safeguard against them.
So in the spirit of Halloween, let’s get a little spooky. Gather ‘round and break out the fun-sized candy. Here are 9 scary home security facts that will give you the chills.
1. Approximately 1.2 million burglaries occur in the U.S. each year.
2. A burglary occurs every 23 seconds in the U.S.
3. Burglaries cost victims an estimated $3.4 billion in 2018.
4. Nearly 70% of burglaries occur in homes.
5. Nearly 60% of burglaries involve forced entry.
6. Most burglaries take place during the day, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
7. Homes without alarm systems are approximately three times more likely to be burglarized.
8. A household member is home during 28% of burglaries.
9. 34% of burglars enter right through the front door.
How can I start protecting my world?
First, let us give you a quick palate cleanser after this creepfest.
Second, we wouldn’t lay these stats on you if we couldn’t help. This year, you deserve to relax more, and worry less. More treats, less tricks — you get it. So don’t be scared. Be prepared with smart home security and some tips from our team of experts!
1. Make your home look occupied. Leave on a visible light inside even when your house is empty. Even better, keep a car in the driveway or in front of the house, if possible.
2. Lock all outside doors, windows, and garage doors before you leave the house or go to bed.
3. Don’t let your mail pile up. When it comes to preventing burglaries, mail may be the furthest thing from your mind. But an overflowing mailbox is an indicator to burglars that no one’s home. If you’re going out of town, arrange for your mail to be held at the post office or have a friend or neighbor pick it up until you get back.
4. Keep your vacation plans off social media! Burglars are on social media, too. When you take a trip, hold off on posting those gorgeous photos of the beach until you’re home.
5. Outdoor lighting, specifically motion-sensing security lighting, is a great property crime deterrent. Motion lighting provides another layer of security by sensing movement and illuminating visitors for the world to see.
6. Never, we repeat NEVER, leave your keys under doormats, in the mailbox, or other “secret” places. It’s a common habit, and burglars know just where to look for that hidden key.
7. Keep up with your yard. If you’re going away for an extended period of time, arrange for your lawn and any shrubbery to be maintained. An unkempt lawn might signal an an empty house to intruders.
8. Consider door and window sensors and glass break sensors. Guardian’s glass break sensors can “hear” the sound frequency created by breaking glass within its range.
9. Secure your front door with a video doorbell. Like we mentioned, 34% of burglars enter right through your front door. Video doorbells have a host of other benefits, particularly convenience. Learn more about video doorbells here.
Home security systems help deter burglars
According to a study of convicted offenders by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, approximately 80 percent said they would try to determine if an alarm was present before attempting a burglary, and 60 percent said they would seek an alternative target if there was an alarm on-site.
Among those who discovered the presence of an alarm while attempting a burglary, half reported they would discontinue the attempt, while another 31 percent said they would sometimes retreat. Only 13 percent said they would always continue with the burglary attempt.
Professionally monitored security is like throwing a big, cozy blanket of protection over all the things that matter most to you. It doesn’t matter what you’re dressing up for Halloween this year. Maybe it’s your house. Maybe it’s your office. Maybe it’s your kids. Maybe your pup is going trick-or-treating as a swashbuckler (we’re not here to judge). If you value it, there’s a security solution to help you protect it.
Call Guardian Protection today at 1.800.PROTECT (1.800.776.8328) to get a FREE quote for smart home security. We’ll help you figure out the best security solution for you and start laying that blanket of protection over what matters most in your life.
Happy Halloween, friends!
