#1: Property Crimes Aren't Something You Should Worry About
Wrong. Since the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, crime rates across most major US Metropolitan regions have consistently been increasing. Additionally, many different types of property crimes commonly occur throughout the United States, including burglary, larceny-theft, auto theft, and arson. In 2019 alone, there were an estimated 6,925,677 property crime offenses nationwide, resulting in losses estimated at $15.8 billion.
#2: Security Systems Prevent Crimes From Happening
False. By the time you're alerted of an intruder by your indoor home security system, it's already too late. While data shows that home security signs may deter some criminals, only true prevention is possible with early awareness and detection of criminals before they enter your home. Perimeter outdoor security with its ability to detect a would-be intruder's ground vibrations at the perimeter of your yard is the fastest way to do this.
#3: Criminals Won’t Target Obvious Entry Points
It’s a common misconception that intruders enter a property through the backdoor. While this does happen, criminals, target other entry points around the home more often than you would expect. The FBI says that about 33% of intruders enter through none other than the front door. In fact, even burglars that enter through other entryways such as windows, backdoors, and garages, almost always start at the front door.
Almost all home invasions (about 95%) require time to make some sort of forceful entry such as breaking a window, picking a lock, or kicking in a door. The most common tools used in a break-in are crowbars, pliers, screwdrivers, and hammers. Almost all of these tools can be picked up at your nearest hardware store, making them essentially untraceable. Unfortunately, it is because of this that arrests can’t be made. In addition to the ability to detect criminals in less time, an outdoor security system's camera can also help authorities identify an intruder should the worst happen.
#4: Criminals Wait for the Cover of Night
Though most people assume criminals wait until after dark, the large majority of residential property crimes such as thefts and break-ins occur during the day, between the hours of 6 am and 6 pm. Experienced offenders will often survey the neighborhood during the daytime, often disguised as a jogger, salesperson, or maintenance professional, and take advantage of an easy target. On the other hand, many commercial buildings are targeted during evening hours and weekends.
Criminals want to go undetected, whether it be when parents are at work and children are at school or when employees are out of the office. The reality is, though, that crime can happen at any time. An opportunistic thief will not think twice about breaking into your home or vehicle if something catches their attention. Having reliable outdoor security is the best way to protect your family when you're home or away.
#5: Criminals Enter & Exit as Quickly as Possible
Indeed, many offenders do not want to spend a lot of time in the act. According to national crime statistics, the average burglary lasts between 90 seconds and 12 minutes, typically about 8 minutes. However, this isn’t always the case. The New York Times highlighted how many burglars will take their time when they burglarize a property. Many will take time to find and collect high-value items like laptops, phones, jewelry, and cash. Anything small, easily pocketed, and can provide a quick turn-around at a pawn shop is a prime target.
The same goes for car theft. While many assume that modern cars are much more difficult to steal, car theft methods have seemed to match technological advancements. Most cars, even hi-tech cars, can be stolen in just a matter of minutes without requiring the original key. The point is that people are unpredictable, and the only way to prevent break-ins and thefts is to use an outdoor security system to know if a crime may occur in time to do something about it.
#6: Criminals Only Target the Same Property Once
If you have ever been the victim of a property crime, you are well aware of what a traumatic experience it is. Having your sense of safety and comfort stripped away and your personal belongings taken is disparaging. Understandably, many victims become extremely worried and cautious to the point of paranoia afterward. Nevertheless, the last thing you expect is to be a victim for a second time. Unfortunately, the M.O. of many criminals is to strike the same place more than once, even within a short timeframe.
If they aren’t caught after the first time, they may be more confident in their abilities and hit when you are most vulnerable and unsuspecting. Such offenders also have more intimate knowledge of the layout and inner workings of your property. That said, if you have been the victim of a crime, it’s important not to make the same mistake twice. Contact Perimeter today to learn how we can alert you of what matters outdoors, in time to do something about it
