Alarm Systems

Consider installing a professionally installed and monitored alarm system to summon help in emergency situations.
A recent Rutgers University study found that alarm systems are an effective deterrent, making a home less attractive to intruders.

Make sure your burglar alarm system includes a loud inside alarm, detectors at all exterior doors and motion sensors. It’s also important to have monitored protection which links your home to a monitoring center where trained professionals can quickly notify first responders. Most insurance companies also offer a discount of up to 20 percent off homeowner’s policies for monitored alarm systems.

Security Systems Reduce Burglaries

Homes without security systems are about 3 times more likely to be broken into than homes with security systems. (Actual statistic ranges from 2.2 times to 3.1 times, depending on the value of the home.)

Losses due to burglary average $400 less in residences with security systems than homes without alarm systems.
Source: An Academic Study of Home and Business Security, Temple University Department of Economics Simon Hakim and Andrew Buck, 1992

Police Believe Security Systems Reduce Burglaries

In 1994, the International Association of Chiefs of Police passed a Board Resolution stating that professionally installed and monitored alarm systems are useful instruments to deter crime and provide peace of mind for residential and business owners.

More recently, in a survey of 1,000 police and fire chiefs, 85 percent of the police officials said security systems decrease the likelihood a home will be burglarized. Almost 90 percent felt security systems increase their chances of apprehending burglars, and 85 percent said they encourage the installation of electronic security systems in residences and businesses in their communities.
Source: Private Security Report from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration

A new study conducted by Security Sales & Integration and sister publication Police has found that 96 percent of the law enforcement community believes the alarm industry is of value to both police and civilians. Other key results of the study include:

• More than half of the respondents report cooperative relationships with alarm companies.
• Most law officers who have their own security alarm systems use them regularly.
• 84 percent of police say alarm systems are an effective means to protect people and property.
• 56 percent of all agencies have no plans to implement any policy changes related to false alarms.

People Feel Safe with Security Systems...

94 percent of alarm owners are satisfied with their alarm systems. Nearly 90 percent of U.S. households rate home security alarms as moderately or very effective, according to a Consumer Home Security Study conducted in part by the National Family Opinion Research Institute.

Source: Security Industry Association Research Update Vol.3, 2001