Is An Alarm System An Attraction To A Burglar?
Hiring a professional to install a Home Security System is one of the best ways to discourage burglars from breaking into a home. However, is it true that burglars do not trespass homes with alarm systems and instead focus on the ones that do not have alarms? So, let us consider what the investigation and numbers reveal.
The Short Answer
To answer your question directly, yes, research has demonstrated that homes with an alarm system are 2-3 times less likely to be burglarized than homes without an alarm system. Robbers avoid confrontation and simply wish to enter and leave a house as fast as possible without being caught. That is why they do not buy homes with security systems or any other property indication that informs them that there is an extra risk involved for them.
Houses with security cameras, company stickers, or signs that state that the house is secured are likely to discourage burglars from attempting to break in. Thus, even fake alarm boxes or signs are likely to discourage the offender and prevent a break-in. Most burglars would not want to be seen or apprehended, hence, would prefer to break into another house that does not have any sign of security.
The Statistics
Statistics from multiple studies back up the effectiveness of home alarm systems at deterring burglars:Statistics from multiple studies back up the effectiveness of home alarm systems at deterring burglars:
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Houses without security systems are 3 times more likely to be invaded than homes with security systems, as per the University of North Carolina Charlotte Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology.
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According to the National Council for Home Safety and Security, roughly 1. 3 million homes with security systems are attempted to be broken into, annually, whereas around 3. 2 million homes without an alarm system are. Therefore, homes without alarm systems are approximately two and a half times more likely to experience a break-in attempt.
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The Rutgers School of Criminal Justice revealed that more than 90 percent of convicted burglars who were surveyed confessed to trying to find out if a house has an alarm before attempting to break into it. Seventy percent stated that a house alarm would make them quit and go for an easier target.
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According to the FBI, households with a security system are about 50% less likely to become a victim of a burglary.
Thus, homes with alarms can still be burglarized to some extent, however, numerous studies have demonstrated that thieves consciously try to stay away from homes with signs of security systems. As one convicted Florida burglar shared it, “I never burglarized any house that had an alarm, a house alarm indicates that there is nothing worth dying for”.
Why It Is Unfavorable for Burglars to Install Alarm Systems
There are a few key reasons why burglars avoid homes with security systems and prefer targeting those without visible alarms or deterrents:There are a few key reasons why burglars avoid homes with security systems and prefer targeting those without visible alarms or deterrents:
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Fear of Getting Caught
Police is something that burglars do not wish to encounter at any cost. Security systems significantly elevate the likelihood of the police being summoned and of being arrested on the scene or in the future. Every petty thief and anywould-be carjacker, who may not have a long record of criminal activity, wants to avoid police encounters and getting caught.
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Drawing Unwanted Attention
Besides, law enforcement will always be notified immediately, and home alarm systems make a lot of noise that can draw attention from neighbors too. The mere sound of the alarm discourages break-ins since it signals the break-in has been noted at once. Criminals avoid attracting too many witnesses or onlookers during the commission of the crime.
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Less Time Required to Commit Theft
An alarm system gives burglars much lesser time to take property and escape from the scene before the alarm company contacts the owners or the police arrive. The added pressure and rush is unattractive for burglars who want the luxury of time to plan how they want to proceed with the valuables.
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Potential Cameras & Video Monitoring
A large portion of households that use alarms also use security cameras that watch over doors and windows or have motion-sensitive video cameras inside. Criminals learn that alarm customers are more likely than the average populace to have video recordings that can be used to identify those responsible or support a prosecution.
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Impact on Healthcare Aims and Goals: Potential for a Violent Confrontation
Of course, there is always a small possibility that a homeowner might be around and armed when they hear the alarm. While there are some criminals who are simply walking around praying for an easy and soft target, they often get a rude shock of their lives when they find themselves eyeball to eyeball with the owner of the house who is well-armed. Though the majority of burglars prefer not to engage with people and avoid confrontation, this contributes to some of these burglars wanting to move to the next level and find better targets.
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Bouncers & Other Forms of Repulsion
The houses that install alarms also make other security measures to discourage other possible attempts such as warning signs that read ‘Beware of the dog’. Dogs or signs of dogs being present in the compound, metal locks, bright lights that are activated by motion, and warning signs stating that the compound is under video surveillance are clear indications that the property is more secure than others and the burglar does not want to take any chances.
Burglars and House Alarms: Key Points
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Numerous works prove that the frequency of burglaries in households that have security systems and other indicators, such as stickers and fake cameras, is much lower than in similar households without such safeguards. In many case it is less than half as many break-in attempts at homes that are protected.
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More than 90% of the convicted burglars said they look for ways on whether a given house has an alarm and other security gadgets before attempting a break-in. Houses that do not have these signs are much more attractive.
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Although the home alarm system cannot deter 100% of burglary incidences because there are intelligent burglars who know how to tamper with alarms, they help a lot as seen from the burglary rates and the testimonies of burglars. They minimize the chances of intrusion from amateurs and other persons who may be opportunists making up the majority of such incidences.
Therefore, even if the foregoing measures give the intruders an idea of the homeowners’ presence and a likelihood of resistance, they can at least give strong indications of the homeowners’ preventive measures such as burglar alarms, surveillance cameras, warning signs, locked gates/garros, guard dogs, and other noticeable precautions which make the intruders to shift focus from homes to other targets which are easier and safer to handle. This deterrent factor alone helps to discourage many burglars and there are fewer residential crimes in areas with more security system installations. Though there is no way that one can completely stop burglary from happening, having an alarm system reduces this chances tremendously and gives homeowners a great sense of security.
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