The Top 10 Reasons Why You Need a Home Security System Home security systems may seem like an intimidating hassle that aren’t worth the cost, but check out the ten reasons below to see why home security systems are worth it to protect your loved ones and your property. Reason #1: Burglary and robbery are real dangers. Reason #2: Keep an eye on your home while you aren’t around- and your belongings are the most at risk. Reason #3: The cost of a burglary outweighs the cost of the security system. Reason #4: Protect your kids. Reason #5: Save money with your homeowner’s insurance policy. Reason #6: Keep an eye on your pets! Reason #7: Today’s systems often include mobile access. Reason #8: Advanced systems work along with your home automation. Reason #9: Record life events. Reason #10: Peace of mind. #1: Burglary and robbery are real dangers. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Report , an estimated 1,579,527 burglaries occurred in 2015, a 7.8% decline from 2014. However, 327,374 robberies also occurred in 2015, a 1.4% increase from 2014. So what’s the difference between burglary and robbery? Burglary is the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft. Robbery takes it a step further. The FBI defines robbery as taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear. Both are real dangers that put you and your household at risk, but both risks are lessened exponentially with a home security system installed. #2: Keep an eye on your home while you aren’t around- and your belongings are the most at risk. Your home is most likely to be robbed when no one is home. In a prior report, the U.S. Department of Justice reported a household member was present in only 27.6% of burglaries. An overwhelming majority (72.4%) of burglaries occur when a household member is not present. Police also typically only solve about 13% of all reported burglaries mostly due to a lack of witnesses or physical evidence. Having security cameras installed increases the chances of catching the burglar if they succeed, thanks to the video and/or images that surveillance cameras capture. #3: The cost of a burglary outweighs the cost of the security system. According to the same FBI report, victims of burglary offenses suffered an estimated $4.6 billion in lost property in 2010; overall, the average dollar loss per burglary offense was $2,119. The cost of installing and maintaining a security system is worth it with respect to guarding what is most precious to you. Going through the painful process of replacing your stolen items, which could also have sentimental value, will surely cause many more headaches than installing a home security system. #4: Protect your kids. Households with children are more at risk for burglary than those without kids. In 2010, the rate of burglary per 1,000 households for households with children was 38.7, while the rate for households without children was 23.1. The U.S. Department of Justice’s National Crime Victimization Survey reports that single parents are the most likely to experience a burglary. Taking the preventative measure of installing a home security system is one of the most crucial steps you can take to keep your children safe. #5: Save money with your homeowner’s insurance policy. Another little known fact about installing a home security system is that you are likely to save money on your homeowner’s insurance policy. Insurance companies offer significant discounts to those who have taken precautions to secure their homes, though the amount varies based on the insurance company. #6: Keep an eye on your pets! Being able to keep an eye on your pets is an underestimated benefit of a home surveillance system. When you are travelling out of town, you can easily monitor your pets and/or assist your dog or cat-sitter over the phone if they have any questions. You can also look back on recordings of your pets and see what mischief they were up to while you were away. #7: Today’s security systems often include remote mobile access. Many of today’s operating systems come with applications for your mobile phone or tablet that make home security much more accessible and user-friendly. Zoom, record, fast-forward, and live video (like those featured by Luma applications) are all features that make a feeling of safety while away from home attainable. #8: Advanced systems work along with your home automation. Advanced security camera systems like Luma Surveillance will seamlessly integrate with your home automation systems. You won’t have to worry about trying to locate extra remotes around the house, but instead you can easily add your home surveillance controls to your centralized system. #9: Record Life Events. Having a robust home security system has a few extra perks- one of which being the ability to record life events on your security cameras. With cameras set up around your property, you could capture a special birthday party, your child’s first steps, and more. Cameras like those offered by Wirepath Surveillance record in high definition, so you can automatically access high-quality video of your memories. #10: Peace of Mind. It is impossible to assign a price tag to the feeling of knowing that your home is secure and being monitored around the clock. If you have secured a home security system, you are able to access your home’s security cameras and alarm systems remotely, and are never more than a click away on your phone. As the reasons above clearly demonstrate, a home security system has a wealth of benefits. Putting the security of your family and home first are the main reasons why investing in a home monitoring system is a wise and proactive choice.
