According to a report released earlier this year by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, property crime dropped by 4.9 percent from 2008 to 2009. This dip is primarily apparent in major urban areas, where robberies dropped by almost 10 percent. This is an unexpected development during the serious economic downturn, as historically, statistics predict that crime rates rise during harsh economic times. Though many law enforcement experts attribute this to superior police work and more available government funds as a result of the stimulus bill, there’s an important factor many overlook: improved and affordable home security systems have increasingly been installed in American households.
More advanced home security system technologies are continuously being developed and made available to the public. These improvements have a three-pronged effect on home security. First, their visible presence discourages criminals. If a burglar knows his target is being monitored by a state-of-the-art, high-definition digital video that streams quality images directly to the home security system’s response central, he’s much less likely to break in. Second, access control devices and other mechanisms, which now offer biometrics and IP connections that immediately lock down the premises and sound an alarm, offer homeowners an active defense against criminal attempts to enter their homes. And third, these technologically advanced home security systems record a large amount of information with which authorities can track down criminals.
With the actual usefulness of available home security systems and related products increasing, the number of American households using them is constantly rising. Statistics in a 2009 report released by the United States Security Industry Association reported that the security market has not only been growing, but is expected to consistently expand. Homeowners are expected to follow the trend set by non-residential properties, about fifty percent of which are equipped with video surveillance and access control systems, while about seventy-five percent are outfitted with fire and intrusion detection systems.
In conclusion, the combined effects of improved law enforcement and high-tech home security systems are good news to homeowners throughout the nation. In the future, the peace of mind that comes from knowing how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property will be as vital as installing central heating in your home. And with the wide range of affordable early warning systems for intrusion, smoke, fire and flood, there are even more incentives for homeowners to take advantage of the newest and latest security technology in an industry that promises never to be complacent.
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