Guest Submission by Stephen Malin
As most Americans know, home security is very important. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, an estimated 3.7 million burglaries and home invasions occurred each year between 2003 and 2007. From petty crimes to violent thefts, over one percent of U.S. residents are likely to face the possibility of theft or crime within their homes this year. Protecting your assets is important, but protecting your family is even more crucial. While particular areas and neighborhoods are more susceptible to crime than others, anyone can be the victim of a home burglary.
Keeping your home safe is an important responsibility and should not be taken lightly. The single most important thing you can do to protect your home against theft is to install a security system. Home security systems allow trained professionals to respond in an emergency, even if you are asleep or away from your home when a break-in occurs. Security companies monitor your home through the use of an alarm and special sensors to identify intruders or suspicious circumstances.
Installing video security cameras is equally important. By having cameras recording your yard, entryways and other vulnerable areas of your property, you will be able to quickly detect an unsafe situation in a way that allows you to act before a break-in is attempted and an alarm is triggered. Additionally, cameras will provide you with a record of anything happening on your property you are not aware of. This will notify you if there has been a threat of a robbery or any other actions that may require police attention.
While a security system with video security cameras is essential, there are other things you can do to protect your home. For example, you should keep your trees and shrubbery well-groomed to avoid giving burglars a place to hide. Keep your blinds drawn, especially at night, to prevent people on the street from seeing into your home. Do your best to avoid drawing attention to your property, such as leaving boxes for large televisions or other expensive products on the curb where thieves can see them. Additionally, be sure your property is well lit. If you don’t want large porch lights on perpetually, consider installing a motion-activated floodlight. It is also worth investing in timers for your inside lights, especially if you spend extended periods of time away from home. Be sure the doors and windows on your ground floor are secured, making it difficult for anyone to force their way inside undetected.
The idea of a break-in is terrifying, making protecting your home incredibly important. Be sure to consider the little things you can do to protect your home from invaders, such as securing your entry points and creating the illusion that someone is home at all times. Most important is a home security system complete with video security cameras. No safety measures can stack up against the effectiveness of home surveillance, making this the first step you should take in securing your home. In the U.S. alone, a home break-in occurs every 15 seconds. Don’t let your home be next.
About Supercircuits
Supercircuits is the security industry’s trusted leader for cutting-edge security technologies and surveillance solutions—from HDcctv/HD-SDI and IP video surveillance solutions, to hidden cameras and wireless and IP-based access control systems. Supercircuits has over 23 years of experience in the security industry and offers customers the largest selection of fully-integrated, high quality surveillance solutions available today. Learn more at http://www.supercircuits.com/, and connect with them on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn.
Image by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
