Americans are increasingly outfitting their homes with home security systems. Burglary is one of the most common property crimes, and victims experience a very real sense of violation when they discover that a break-in has occurred.
Around 20% of homes in America have security systems, but this percentage is expected to increase over the next five years. In fact, experts predict that the number of homes with security systems will increase by 64% in that time period. Increased awareness of crime may be one factor driving this increase, but there are many other factors too. For example, fire alarm systems that are included as a part of many home security systems help tip the balance in favor of installing a security system for many families. Here are five other reasons more Americans will be installing home security systems in coming years. View more home security statistics here.
- Technological Advances Make Systems More Effective
- Home Security Systems Are More Affordable
- Families Have New Concerns
- Families Are Busier
- People Are Taking Crime Statistics to Heart
1. Technological Advances Make Systems More Effective
Sensor technology is making monitored home security systems more effective. As sensor technology matures and comes down in price, more people have access to this technology, which can be instrumental in helping keep homes safer. Sensors today are more sophisticated, making it less likely that the family pet will trigger the alarm system when the sensors are installed properly. Find out what’s next in home security technology.
2. Home Security Systems Are More Affordable
As technology advances, it also becomes more affordable. A generation or two ago, home security systems were only for the well-to-do. Today, however, a range of systems is available to accommodate homes of different sizes and types.
3. Families Have New Concerns
Families with children are not the only ones that are turning in increasing numbers to home security systems. Every type of household benefits from home security systems, including single-person households. Single people who travel frequently enjoy greater peace of mind when they install home security systems, as do retired people. And as more people consider the family dog and cat as full-fledged household members, they choose to maintain their home security systems even after children grow up and move away.
4. Families Are Busier
Families today have extensive commitments beyond school and work, and many parents find themselves driving kids to activities just about every day of the week. While physical home security is as important as ever, in reality, it is easy to forget to lock every door and window every time the house is left unoccupied, and all that time away from home is convenient for burglars. A home security system provides a layer of protection and adds reassurance even when busy parents can’t quite remember if they locked the kitchen window.
5. People Are Taking Crime Statistics To Heart
Homes without security systems are up to two times more likely to be broken into than homes that have security systems, according to a Temple University study. A decal or sign from a respected home security provider is a signal to burglars that they need to go somewhere else. Burglaries take place all the time, but that doesn’t mean that people should simply accept burglary as inevitable. More people are realizing the value of today’s home security systems as deterrents and are determined to help their homes remain as safe as possible.
Monitored home security systems are not just for the wealthy, but for anyone who takes the security of their home and family seriously. Technology has made systems more effective and more affordable, and increasing numbers of middle-class households are investing in these systems and enjoying the peace of mind of knowing their home security is monitored 24/7.