The figures are staggering: every year, more than two million homes record a break-in. Home burglaries account for about two-thirds of all burglaries. Once every 30 seconds, a burglar commits a crime.
Perhaps the most alarming number of all is that only 17% of Americans have installed a home security system. In this article, we'll go through some of the most typical methods criminals get around alarm systems.
Ways That Burglars Use To Defeat Alarm Systems
Credit: General Security
1) Making the Most of Power Outages
Power shortages make it easy for robbers to get around alarm systems. While most alarms include a backup battery, these have a few drawbacks. To begin, even a brand-new battery only lasts about 24 to 48 hours. As a result, robbers are more likely to break into an alarmed home after a prolonged power loss. Furthermore, many consumers fail to inspect or replace their backup batteries on a regular basis. During a power outage, an outdated battery could leave your alarm without power for several hours. Even impatient burglars who break into a house on the same day as a power outage could not set off the alarm.
Having backup batteries on hand will allow you to keep your alarm operating even if there is a power outage for a lengthy period of time.
2) Overabundance of Information
When a professional burglar decides to get into your home, he starts with your mailbox and looks for every bit of information you supply. You've given a robber your name and home address if your name is painted on the mailbox. A thief will look up your information in the phone directory and call you to see whether you are home.
If your name isn't on the mailbox, the thief will look inside for any envelopes or packages that contain the same information. A burglar then searches for security indications. Despite the fact that major home monitoring companies provide you with a sign as part of their services, you do not want to display it.
As little information as possible should be given to intruders. Remove your name from the mailing list. Next, check to see if your mailbox is secure. This won't deter all burglars, but it will make them spend more time going into the mailbox, increasing the chances that a neighbor may see him in the act.
3) Entering the Code
For ease of control and interaction, most alarm systems have a keypad or touchpad where a code is an input to arm or disarm the system. It can also be controlled using voice commands, remote controls, or key fobs.
Many property owners give the same code to everyone who would need to disarm the system, such as their domestic help, employees, or service providers, in the case of a code. Not only is it impossible to determine who deactivated the system, but it also raises the likelihood of the code entering the wrong hands.
You must only give out separate alarm codes to a few trusted personnel so that you can trace who disarmed the alarm and remove outdated codes that you no longer need, restricting access to anyone who may have come across them.
4) Crash and Smash Method
When you first enter the front door, most burglar alarms offer a 30-60 second grace period. Within this grace period, the burglar finds the alarm system and smashes it with a Crash and Smash assault before it can sound the alarm. Your home security system is rendered worthless, and the thief is free to spend as much time as they want inside your home.
Check to see if your alarm system has complete anti-tamper protection. If a burglar tries to break into or open the hardware casing, the alarm will go off, and you or (if you have monitoring) the 24/7 monitoring center will be notified.
5) Searching for Weak Points
Alarm systems are one of the most effective deterrents against burglaries and invasions, but faulty installation and maintenance can lead to weak places that criminals can exploit.
When it comes to alarm systems, the positioning of the sensors is crucial. It's the same as not having an alarm system on your home at all if the sensors are positioned in locations that aren't high-risk while the actual high-risk regions are left unattended.
To keep costs down, many property owners settle for the bare minimum of security, but this is not recommended. What you must do is make intelligent use of the system in order to enjoy all of its benefits while staying within your budget.
Home Security Tips to Deter Burglars
Credit: HowStuffWorks
1) Lock Your Doors and Windows
Many burglaries could be avoided if people simply locked their doors and windows.
Rekeying your locks when you first move in is another suggestion: You have no idea who the prior owner handed the keys over to. You can know and control who has access to your home by rekeying your locks. You may also be able to improve the quality of your locks as a result of this.
Consider adding secondary locks to your windows for added security. On vinyl or aluminum windows, a track lock can restrict the window from sliding freely up and down. Also, if you have a connected garage, make sure the house entrance that leads to the garage is locked.
2) Putting Up Motion Detector Lights
It's likely that if someone tries to break into your home in broad daylight, they'll be seen. At night, this may not be the case. Installing motion detector lights is an excellent technique to deter intruders who attempt to enter your home late at night.
A motion detector light not only makes the individual visible to you and others, but it also informs a burglar that you are watching over their property.
3) Consider Getting a Dog
If you were considering buying a dog anyhow, a study discovered that man's best friend can aid in crime prevention. Almost half of the burglars polled said that barking dogs scare them away.
Summary
Would-be burglars are deterred by a monitored security system that includes security devices such as a central hub, sensors, security cameras, and professional monitoring. Many alarm companies have reliable security systems in order to ensure that you are safe in your home. But however, sometimes, thieves have a way of beating the system. This article will ensure that you and your home are completely safe.