Did you know that homes without a security system are 80% more likely to be targeted by burglars? This is a scary statistic if you currently don’t own a home security system. It might also surprise you to learn that most burglars are in and out of a home with their stolen goods in less than 10 minutes. They don’t waste time and know exactly where to look and what to grab quickly with the most value.
So how does a home security system Toronto homeowners install help detect a home burglary, and why is it so important for you? Read on to learn more about the risks burglars present and how a home security system helps to prevent break-ins.
Important Home Burglary Statistics
According to a 2019 report on Canadian burglaries, there were 161,291 cases reported last year. In fact, in Canada a home is broken into every 90 seconds, with 80% of those burglaries occurring in the day. Here are a few more important burglary statistics to consider:
- inexperienced burglars make the most illegal entries without the use of modern equipment
- most burglars enter through a ground floor or basement window
- most burglars depend on concealment, speed, and force to enter the house
Burglaries by Province
Here is a breakdown of the number of burglaries in Canada by province in 2019:
- Ontario: 44 974
- Alberta: 33 102
- BC: 28 759
- Quebec: 23 432
- Manitoba: 11 058
- Saskatchewan: 10 005
- New Brunswick: 3695
- Nova Scotia: 2634
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 1994
- PEI: 471
- Northwest Territories: 469
- Nunavut: 437
- Yukon: 261
As you can see, if you live in Toronto, you are in the highest risk province for burglaries.
Signs That Your Home Is Being Targeted by Burglars
Most people are shocked to discover their homes have been burglarized. However, there are some signs to watch for that could mean burglars are in your area, such as:
- random strangers walking around the streets of your neighbourhood
- random strangers approaching homes without an apparent purpose
- someone appearing to be delivering flyers on the street, but only a few homes actually receive anything
- uncertified workers such as random construction workers wandering the streets
- you spot somebody taking pictures on your street or even worse, of your home
- a stranger tells you about a personal emergency
- unsolicited fundraisers or religious workers coming to your door
Any of these signs could indicate burglars are planning a break-in in your area or in your own home.
Ideal Homes for Break-ins
If you think it can’t happen in your neighbourhood, consider where you live. Here are the types of homes burglars identify as the ideal properties they target:
- middle to upper class neighbourhoods
- homes in the countryside or streets without close neighbours
- homes in low traffic neighbourhoods like side streets and courts
- no signs of a security system such as no yard sign, door or window decals or visible alarm
- signs the home is often empty such as no car parked in the driveway or the lights always being off
- homes that appear to be occupied by single women or elderly couples
- signs that kids are often home alone
If any of these descriptions sound like your home, you should be worried. It’s especially troubling if you are a single woman living alone, an elderly couple or your children are often home alone.
What Attracts Burglars to a Home?
While burglars look at the above signs for what they would consider ideal opportunities for break-ins, they also narrow it down by looking for specifics that will make the break-in easy such as:
- signs you are away like unmown lawns, unshoveled sidewalks, flyer or mail piles etc.
- lights off all the time
- easy access such as unlocked doors and main floor windows
- no sign of security
- hidden entries due to overgrown trees and bushes
They also like to explore neighbourhoods during vacation season when people tend to be away as this is the time they can find more empty homes
How Do Home Security Systems Detect Burglaries?
So how do home security systems actually help detect burglars? There are many features you can include that will not only detect burglars but will also help keep them away including:
- Motion Sensors: Motion activated sensors can prevent some burglaries as well as ongoing crimes
- Door and Window Sensors: Window and door sensors work with your home security system and will notify you if a burglar triggers the sensor
- Glass Break Sensors: Glass break detectors go off when glass is impacted, protecting your windows from becoming points of entry and helping to prevent burglaries
- Home Alarm System: Installing a home alarm system is one of the safest ways to deter burglars from targeting your home, as first they provide a visual warning and second, should the burglar still try to break-in they set off alarms and dispatch police
- Security Cameras: Burglars don’t want to be caught red handed or recorded on video that will prove they were involved in illegal activity. Cameras are usually enough to deter most burglars
What to Do After a Home Burglary
If you come home to discover your home has been burglarized, you should:
- Call the police
- Take care of your kids
- Survey your home’s security
- Take inventory
- Call your insurance company
This is a traumatic experience and will be enough to prompt you to take additional security measures to protect your home and family.
Additional Benefits of a Home Security System
Home security systems not only detect burglars, they also provide additional benefits to homeowners, including:
- Protect valuables: Installing a home security system helps protect the valuables in your home
- Remotely controlled: Home security systems allow you to remotely monitor your home from anywhere, using your phone so you always have peace of mind
- Lowers home insurance: Most insurance companies provide discounts to members who have a home security system. The better the system, the more you can save
- Reduce energy consumption: Smart home security systems can be used with your smart thermostats and smart lighting, lowering your energy consumption and household expenses
- Improved home comfort: Smart home security systems can also help improve home comfort allowing you to adjust home temperatures remotely to cool or warm your house by the time you get home
- Fire and carbon monoxide detector: Detectors protect you against the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke and fire
If you would like more information about the home security system Toronto trusts, speak to our team today.
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