Do you need to install a new alarm system? Or perhaps you need to update an existing alarm system? If you live in Colchester, Chelmsford or the surrounding area then it will be worth taking time to look at why you should have an up to date alarm system to protect your property.
You would be surprised to learn just how many homeowners fail to ensure they have a secure home alarm system. Which is great news if you are a burglar, as without this protection it makes break-ins much easier. It is a proven statistic that without a secure home alarm system the chances of a break in at your property rises dramatically.
Government statistics on domestic burglaries
Before we go into the benefits of having an up to date secure alarm system we will look at the official government statistics on domestic burglary, which you can also find here.
The estimated recorded number of domestic burglary incidents in England and Wales rose significantly throughout the 1980’s. Incidents continued to grow until a peak in 1993 with 2,445,000 incidents recorded for that year. There was then a steep fall from 1993 – 2005, with 2005 seeing 1,057,000 domestic burglary incidents recorded. Between the years 2005 to 2011 this figure stayed pretty much the same with around 1,000,000 recorded each year.
However, there has been another significant decrease from 2011-2017, with 2017 recording 650,000 incidents of domestic burglary.
We have highlighted this is to demonstrate how the growth of the home security industry has impacted the amount of domestic break-ins. There are now nearly 75% less recorded incidents of domestic burglary than there were in 1993. Which, as mentioned above, peaked at nearly 2,500,000 incidents in that year. It really cannot be stated enough that by having a secure home alarm system you dramatically improve your chances of not having your property broken into.
We will now take a look at all of the benefits of installing or updating a secure home alarm system on your property.
Protects Your Valuables
Let us start with the most obvious benefit to having a secure home alarm system, protecting your valuables. You may know someone who has had jewellery, electronics or high value items stolen during a burglary. Even more tragic can be if an irreplaceable family heirloom is taken. A secure home alarm system not only scares off a potential burglar but can also notify the local authorities if a break-in is attempted.
Lowering Homeowners Insurance
If you are like most homeowners you pay a monthly fee to insure your property against burglary. We don’t need to tell you how costly this can be, you know already. But did you know many insurance companies offer considerable discounts to homeowners who have a secure alarm system installed by an accredited NSI or SSAIB Company? These discounts can be as much as 20% off, potentially saving you a lot of money over the years. When you have an alarm system installed be sure to tell your insurers to see if you qualify for a discount.
Theft Deterrent
Most security companies will give you a sticker for your window that shows you have a security system installed. This alone is often enough to deter any would be burglar from attempting to break into your property. Also, recent studies show that having a high number of home security systems in a neighbourhood will show a significant decrease in the number of domestic burglaries. Even for properties without an alarm system. So, having a home alarm system not only protects your property but also helps make the neighbourhood safer.
Evidence Of A Break-In
If you are the unfortunate victim of a burglary you’re rightly angry at this violation. You also want the authorities to catch the person responsible. Although without solid evidence, it is hard for the police to get a conviction. Having a home alarm system with security cameras will give you a much better chance of being able to supply the evidence the authorities need to secure a conviction.
Peace Of Mind
Perhaps one of the most important reasons to have a secure home alarm system is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your property is secure when you’re not there. It may be because you work long hours, or are away often or you are planning a holiday. The sense of security and peace you gain from knowing your property is secure can on its own be worth the cost of installing a home alarm system.
Helps Keeps Track Of Who’s In The Property
Another additional benefit from having a home security system with cameras is this. You can remotely view what’s happening in your home while you are away or at work. This is a great way to check who your children or family members have invited over while you are out. Plus, if you have automatic door locks fitted you can remotely unlock them to let your children in after school. (lessening the chances of them losing a key to your home) Or, let in friends or family members who don’t have a key to the property whilst you are out.
Notifies You Of Gas Problems Or Fire
Many home alarm systems can be connected to your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. You can receive notifications on your phone or work desktop to tell you if one of these alarms is activated. It is even possible to set your system to automatically notify the relevant authorities should your fire alarm activate while you are out.
Assuring a Good Nights Sleep
Lastly, the security that comes with having a home alarm system will ensure a good nights sleep. You can rest easy knowing your property is secure against any potential burglar trying to break into your home.
We hope that this information has been helpful. If you would like to discuss having a home alarm system installed or updated in your property, or if you would like to discuss any of the points mentioned please contact us and we will be happy to help.