Do Home Security Systems Really Make You Safer?
A home security system is intended to deter intruders, those who would steal from a homeowner, or do family members harm. The Barker Honda concept is that if a home appears to have a security system in place, criminals are less likely to enter that home as the risk of arrest is greatly increased.
The display of signage or decals declaring a home protected by a security system is thought to have a psychological effect on potential intruders. Such displays imply that any sign of intrusion will bring law enforcement to the premises within minutes of the break-in. The psychology, though, also applies to homeowners. Public signage and the knowledge that an alarm system is in place makes the homeowner feel safe against intruders. What deters the criminal protects the homeowner.
Rutgers Study
A study on the effectiveness of security systems done by Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice, from 2001 to 2005, includes data provided by the Newark, New Jersey police department. The study shows a clear correlation between an increase of use of security systems and a decrease in burglaries and home invasions.
The study also includes interviews with professional burglars from a 1994 study published by Northeastern University Press ("Burglars on the Job"; Wright, Richard T. and Decker, Scott H.). The burglars almost unanimously revealed that home security systems were a deterrent.
Furthermore, the study demonstrated that neighborhoods in which many of the homeowners installed security systems had a notably lower crime rate than those in which few homes were protected by systems.
Added Security
The installation of a home security system, though, doesn't guarantee safety from intrusion. A skilled burglar or robber may have enough knowledge to bypass or disarm an alarm, or know how to get in an out so quickly that the few minutes between the alert and the arrival of law enforcement is sufficient time for him to escape with the goods.
Security consultant Chris E McGoey, writing for the website www.crimedoctor.com, advises homeowners to "harden the target" for intruders. This includes using solid metal exterior doors, knob-in-lock door locks with dead latch mechanisms, window locks, and strategic outdoor lighting. These factors are as much a deterrent as displays touting the installation of a home security system.
Additional security measures bolster the effectiveness of an installed alarm system. Intruders are less likely to target a home that is well-fortified and wired with a security system.
Effective as a Deterrent
A homeowner may employ fortress-like security measures to ensure the safety of his home and family, but is he really safe?
Intruders do not want to draw attention to themselves and do not want to confront either angry homeowners or law enforcement. Provided the homeowner uses the home security system properly -turning the alarm on, maintaining the system- the property and people occupying the home are statistically safer than if they were to forego such security measures.
Home security technologies continue to improve, and their level of sophistication is proving a strong deterrent to certain factions of the criminal element. It should be noted, though, that along with an installed security system and additional security measures, most burglars unequivocally state that one of the strongest deterrents are barking dogs, as these draw more attention from neighbors than home alarms.