If you’re concerned about the threat of burglary and want to do everything you can to protect your property and belongings, you may be considering a security alarm—but do they really help to deter burglars?
The short answer is yes. Here’s why…
How burglars choose their targetsÂ
Did you know that more than 20% of Australian homes have been burgled at some point? But why do some homes get targeted when others don’t?
While there are a range of factors that contribute to how a burglar chooses a target, the simplest explanation is that burglars are always on the lookout for the properties where they are most likely to yield a high-value haul of items, with the lowest possible chance of getting caught doing it.
As a general rule, burglars know that the type of possessions they might get their hands on in a particular home are going to be in line with the local socio-economic profile of the area. This makes it safe for them to assume that most houses on a single street will have a similar range of items, whether that includes electronics, jewellery, cash, handbags or other portable items.
Once a burglar has set their focus on a particular target area, they’ll then narrow their sights on the individual homes which are the easiest to gain access to, with the lowest risk of getting caught in the act.
Making your home a hard target
The greatest way you can protect your home from burglary is to make it a hard target—this could be anything that sends a message to criminals that they shouldn’t bother attempting to burgle your property, because there’s a good chance they’ll get caught.
This could include things such as:
- visual deterrence mechanisms including security cameras located near the front door, ensuring the home doesn’t look vacant or simply having Calamity’s sign displayed at the front of your home
- delay mechanisms or physical hardening of the property such as heavy-duty locks, security doors and sturdy windows, orÂ
- detection systems such as motion or intrusion detection security alarms.
Alarm systems are an excellent way to draw attention to an intruder while also initiating an immediate response, whether that includes dispatching police, private security or notifying the homeowner. The information provided by alarm and camera security systems can even be used in court as evidence of what occurred at the property and to help identify an intruder.
In fact, home alarm systems are so effective that a recent survey of detained burglars conducted by Budget Direct showed that a working alarm system would deter 49% of burglars from attempting to enter a property.
We’re here to help
If you want to find out more about home alarm systems and the other ways you can protect your home from the threat of burglary, contact the team at Calamity to arrange a personalised home security assessment today.
