What are the odds you will be a victim of a home burglary this year? Better than you might think.
A few weeks ago, the FBI released its latest crime statistics (from 2016 records), which reveal that a home burglary occurs every 20 seconds in the U.S. In fact, by the time you finish reading this post, about 10 homes will have been burglarized somewhere.
We’re sharing this startling statistic with Walton Gas customers because burglary is a crime you need to be aware of. EMC Security, another Walton EMC company and one of Georgia’s most trusted service providers, offers these facts every homeowner should know to protect your precious valuables and home from thieves.
1. Burglars Tend to Avoid homes with Security Systems
Multiple studies show that a home without a security system is three times more likely to be broken into. Sorry, that beautiful privacy fence around your yard or that cute puppy your son received for Christmas doesn’t count as reliable security.
Prevention: Get a monitored home security system, such as those offered by EMC Security (link https://emcsecurity.com/). Use the yard signs and window stickers you’re provided to alert potential intruders to your security system. Good to know: EMC Security is currently offering two free months of monitoring to new customers. Use the code WALTONEMCSECURITY when ordering.
2. Most Burglaries Occur Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of home burglaries take place during daylight hours, not at night. Burglars tend to strike when most people are at work or school.
Prevention: A monitored security system will automatically alert police if a burglar enters your home when you are away.
3. The Highest Percentage of Burglaries Occur During the Summer Months
A report from the U.S. Department of Justice showed that from 1993 to 2010, on average, burglary rates were highest when homeowners were away on vacation and on hot days when windows and doors are most often left open or unlocked.
Prevention: Alert trusted neighbors and your security company when you plan to be out of town. Ask someone to bring in the mail and pick up newspapers out of the driveway. Arrange to keep the lawn mowed.
4. The Majority of Break-Ins are Committed by Someone Living Nearby
The typical burglar resides within two miles of the target home. Because they live close, it’s easy for them to learn your family’s daily schedule and strike when they know you’re not home.
Prevention: Vary your routine as much as possible. Set timers or use your smartphone to turn on lights in the evening.
5. About 30% of Burglars Enter a Home Through an Unlocked Door or Window
First floor windows and doors, especially those concealed behind overgrown vegetation, are especially attractive to would-be intruders.
Prevention: Keep all entry points closed, locked and alarmed, even when you’re at home. Keep shrubs and trees trimmed back.
6. An Astonishing 34% of Burglars Enter Through the Front Door
Whether they walk through an open front door or kick in a locked one, burglars aren’t shy about using your home’s primary entry point.
Prevention: Keep your front door closed and locked at all times. Never give your house key to workers or hide a key outside your home.
7. The Master Bedroom is the First Thing Burglars Target
This is a jackpot room for the burglar because items like jewelry, collectibles, safes and cash can be found here. Next on the burglar’s list is the home office, living room and dining room where valuables are often openly displayed.
Prevention: Store your valuables in a safe that’s bolted to the floor, or hide them in unlikely locations.
8. Money, Electronics, and Weapons are the First Things Stolen
Intruders are looking for items that are easy to sell at a pawn shop. Insurance claims indicate the items most often appealing to burglars are cash, electronics, gold, guns, jewelry and silver.
9. Most Criminals can Burglarize a Home in 8 to 10 Minutes
Burglars look for homes they can easily enter, get what they want and take off before being noticed.
Prevention: Strengthen your home’s defense by getting a monitored home security system, keeping all entrances closed and locked and installing a high-quality front door.
10. On Average, a Burglary Results in a Dollar Loss of About $2,361
The FBI reports that burglary victims in 2016 lost a total of $3.6 billion, and nearly 70% of the burgled locations were residential properties.
Prevention: A basic security system will cost you far less than what the average burglary will. EMC Security offers monitoring for as little as $16.95 per month. Additionally, most homeowners insurance companies reduce premiums by up to 20% with proof of having a security system installed in the home.
ABOUT EMC SECURITY
EMC Security is the only company in the market that gives customers the freedom to choose how they want to purchase and pay for home security, including their popular no-contract option. Using the most advanced technology, EMC Security strives to provide the best security systems and monitoring service available, as well as additional features, such as remote system control, home automation, video monitoring and other connected services to protect life, property and peace of mind. Learn more at emcsecurity com.