There’s plenty of anecdotal advice regarding home intrusions. It can be difficult to sort fact from fiction when it comes to your home’s security. Alarm companies can often provide valuable advice regarding your home’s safety. As you work to make your home more secure, consider these break-in myths and the truths behind them.
Myth: If a burglar wants to get into a home, he will, despite preventative measures.
Burglars choose homes that will take little effort to get into. In theory, a thief would like to get into all homes on a street, but he is far more likely to pass over a home with stout security. If a burglar believes he can kick in a door without alerting anyone, grab the valuables, then leave quickly, he will choose the faster target over a home with good locks, solid-core doors, and a security system.
Myth: Locking a door will prevent a burglar from breaking into a home.
Simple door locks will do little to put a burglar off. The truth is, most burglars spend less than 60 seconds breaking into a home regardless of locked doors. A large percentage of locks are very easily opened with a technique called lock bumping which allows intruders fast and easy access. The type of lock you have on your doors, and even the quality of the doors themselves, matter more than the mere presence of a lock. Bump-proof locks and keyless entry add further layers of security. Don’t neglect good window locks or locks for the garage.
Myth: Big, noisy dogs will sufficiently guard the home.
Among break-in myths, the thought that an imposing pet can guard a home is a popular one. While some pets may make noise when a burglar breaks in, many will sleep through or even treat the intruder like a trusted friend. Those who do make noise and take threatening action towards a burglar are often assaulted. A home security system is far more reliable safety.
A related myth says security systems don’t work well in homes with pets, as pets will set off the motion detection. SafeTouch systems include pet-immune motion detection sensors, which keep you and your furry friend secure.
Myth: Lights left on in a vacant home will fool burglars into believing someone is home.
Houses left dark for many days at a time do indicate a family gone for an extended duration. However, the common break-in myths neglect to point out how lights left on constantly often mean exactly the same thing. Light timers, which can be programmed to turn lights on and off on a random schedule, provide a much more believable appearance.
Myth: Most burglaries happen at night.
In truth, the bulk of home intrusions happen during the day, when homeowners have jobs and errands to get them out of the house for prolonged periods. While it is important to have sufficient security during the evening hours, it is equally important to see your home defended while the sun is up. A home security system with 24-hour monitoring is an easy way to keep your home safe around the clock.
Myth: Houses in good neighborhoods don’t need security systems.
A low-crime neighborhood may see less home intrusions, but no neighborhood is entirely free of crime. Even upscale areas and gated communities see burglaries, despite what break-in myths may say. Any empty or insecure home can become a tempting target for thieves. Homes in every neighborhood can benefit from a home security system. Not only will a security system help to guard you from intruders, but many include fire and smoke detection as well.
Myth: A home needs a landline for a security system to be installed.
Many households have chosen to do away with landlines in favor of cellular phones. Homeowners often believe that this means they cannot have a security system installed as older models of home security systems relied on them. Modern security systems utilize wireless technology to provide monitoring without the presence of a landline.
Myth: Wireless home security systems are unreliable.
The word “wireless” is often associated with insecure computer networks, or online connections of dubious stability. Wireless security systems often utilize a connection which combines cellular and radio wavelengths, which provides increased stability. Wireless connections provide additional advantages, such as the ability to monitor the system from nearly anywhere. A parent could use the system to be certain their child had arrived home from school, or travelers could look in on their homes from abroad.
Break-in myths are often intended to help you secure yourself and your family. Unfortunately, they often have the opposite effect and leave your home vulnerable to intrusion. Contact SafeTouch for answers to your home security questions. A home security system provides valuable safeguarding for your family and in turn, your home.