Home Security Systems have slowly gained popularity in recent decades as homes appear to be at higher risk for break-ins and home invasions. Most people who own homes ask whether it is really important to install a home alarm system and whether they will benefit from its use by deterring intruders. It is possible to argue that many conditions should be taken into account to conclude whether home alarm systems are efficient in protecting from break-ins and families.
It should be noted that home alarms cannot prevent a determined criminal from entering a home, although in most cases, they act as a deterrent. The noise of an extremely loud alarm going off in a house and the neighborhood is enough to scare most burglars and cannot spend more time stealing valuable items. Also, almost all home alarm systems are wired to monitoring centers, which will call the police as soon as an alarm sounds. This greatly decreases the chances that a criminal will remain inside the home by simply alerting authorities. Therefore, even though home alarms cannot create an invisible shield around a home, they are very useful in alerting homeowners of an intrusion and making the intruders flee away until the police arrive.
There are many research works that indicate that homes without security systems are 2-3 times more vulnerable to attacks by burglars. Burglars usually plan their move to specific neighborhoods and homes, especially those that do not have outside lights or signs that show that the house has security cameras or alarm systems. It is often enough just to have the signs that you have security measures put in place to discourage the criminals from trying to break in. People whose houses have alarm company signs and window stickers also derive benefits from it even if they do not have any home security system in their house.
Sounding alarms serve the purpose of keeping burglars at bay while the systems that are linked with alarm monitoring centers as well as quick police intervention help apprehend the lawbreakers in action. It was also ascertained that in over ninety percent of the burglaries, where alarm systems were present and active, the criminals panicked and fled the scene before getting a chance to steal anything of value as soon as the audible alarms were triggered. And when they do not run away the response from the police also helps ensure they will be caught, if it is timely. Arresting and incarcerating more burglars also help prevent other criminals from engaging in home break-ins when they see that the houses are fitted with security systems. Although no home can be assured of not being targeted, burglars will usually go for houses that do not have aggressive alarm systems.
In conclusion, home alarm systems are beneficial to many homeowners, but some drawbacks have also been pointed out. It is also important to note that the phenomenon of false alarms persists to this day and affects homeowners and police departments. Though modern home alarm systems and detection techniques have reduced the occurrence of false alarms, they are still rife. Frequent false alarms attract charges from alarm monitoring companies and penalties from the police department. Every time police go for a false alarm, this consumes their precious time and other resources.
Home alarm systems also imply additional expenses for the homeowners as well. Installation costs and monthly monitoring fees can cost a hundred dollars or more depending on the chosen system. There are also preventive ones that need to be carried out from time to time to ensure that systems run as required by replacing damaged sensors or upgrading software. Unfortunately for homeowners with little funds to spare, a home security system could be expensive even though it prevents burglaries.
It must be noted that home alarm effectiveness essentially relies on its usage by the homeowner. When homeowners neglect to activate their security systems properly or leave doors and windows open, it weakens the systems’ effectiveness in alerting homeowners and other inhabitants to the presence of intruders and making them flee. Failure to renew the monitoring contracts or to replace worn-out sensors over time also makes a home’s alarm practically ineffective. Thus, it would be wrong to assume that home alarm systems act miracles for homeowners who do not contribute their part.
Research indicates that insecure houses are far more likely to be on the receiving end in cases of break-ins. This is because the presence of alarm systems works as a warning sign to discourage criminals right from the beginning making them look for other easier targets instead. High-pitched alarms effectively deter most of the offenders who break into the premises while the monitoring centers notify the police to arrest offenders escaping the scene. However false alarms, increased costs, and misuse of the home alarm system by homeowners reduce the efficiency of home alarm systems. One should think twice before installing a home security system on his house he should first consider the advantages and disadvantages. It is important to note that home alarm systems cannot prevent a break-in from occurring, but they are very efficient in discouraging burglars and in raising the alarm should an intrusion take place. Considering the benefits and drawbacks mentioned above, home alarm systems can be considered a worthy investment for most homeowners who are truly concerned about the safety of their loved ones and their property.
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