Gone in 13 minutes and 6 seconds: Is your home secured with security cameras and alarms?

There is a burglary in New Jersey every 13 minutes and 6 seconds. The New Jersey State Police 2008 Uniform Crime Report states that burglary offenses have increased by 8% on the 2007 figure. Of greater concern is the fact that unlawful entries requiring no force whatsoever have significantly increased during that one year period.

In 2008 alone, there were 12,864 instances of burglars gaining entry to their target properties through unlocked doors, open windows, unsecured garages and parking areas, using spare keys “securely hidden” somewhere on the property or given out by someone you trust. Will your home be next?

Cameras deter perpetrators

It has long been acknowledged that security cameras act as deterrents to criminal activities. In Newark, public housing authorities have recently installed surveillance cameras to decrease the number of criminal activities occurring in and around these areas. Burglaries, assaults and drug trafficking have significantly reduced since the cameras were installed. Wal-Marts all over the US have benefited from the security camera installation with the company reporting dramatic reductions in the number of offenses occurring in camera-surveyed parking areas.

Cameras don’t always have to be surveying the exterior of your home either. In many cases, home-owners may wish to use cameras to watch people who enter their home legitimately. You’ve probably wondered whether your house cleaner, nanny or service repair technicians are suitably trustworthy to be left alone inside your house. Are they simply “casing the joint”: looking for points of entry and items of value? Are they behaving in a manner contrary to their reason for being there? Having the ability to record their behaviour inside your house can help you to monitor and ultimately perhaps even prevent burglaries, assaults and other criminal activities from occurring in your home.

There are many different types of cameras to choose from with each type having benefits in differing locations. Security camera installers can give you the best advice about which cameras are right for your home and then they can install them for you. No need for you to drill holes or climb ladders!

However, security surveillance cameras alone cannot protect your home and loved ones from break-ins. While their presence can act as a deterrent, they are essentially passive devices that are primarily used to identify perpetrators after the fact. They need to be combined with other security methods in order to increase their effectiveness.

Alarms call for help

Alarms are an obvious choice as a second layer of security for your home or business. While cameras can monitor and record, alarms can bring help in the event of an emergency or break-in. Whether you are inside or out, alarms offer you the additional security of knowing that someone is looking out for you and your home. Security services or police officers can be called easily without having to lift up the phone.

Many systems offer the user home invasion support too. For example, if an intruder forces you to enter your pin to turn off the alarms, you can simply enter the alterative emergency code that will turn off the alarm while sending an emergency signal to the nearest police precinct.

Don’t make it easy for intruders! Make sure you avoid becoming yet another burglary or home invasion statistic and set your home up with a combination of security alarms and cameras

Security alarm installers can automate your home

Security alarm system installers don’t just install alarms. They can also design and install alarms as part of a complete automated home system that is accessible online or over the phone. Now, not only can you ensure your loved ones and treasured belongings are safe, but you can also automate your lighting, home theater and energy control systems. Make your home nice and warm before you’ve even switched off the alarm or opened the garage door!

References:

The New Jersey State Police 2008 Uniform Crime Report

http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/info/ucr2008/index.html

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/09/surveillance_cameras_at_newark.html

http://walmartcrimereport.com/crimereport.html

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