According to the most recent available FBI crime statistics, Americans fell victim to more than 1.1 million burglaries in 2019, accounting for an estimated $3 billion in property losses. Further, more than 60% of the year’s burglary offenses targeted residential properties.
But homeowners are certainly not defenseless against these crimes, especially in the age of the internet. Even when away from their residences for extended periods of time, they can maintain high levels of protection and surveillance by using today’s connected technology, along with a few recommended security practices.
Consumers looking to keep their home, loved ones and belongings safe can consider these five powerful ways to increase their levels of in-home protection:
1. Home Security Systems
Quality door and window locks offer a powerful first layer of defense against home intrusion by burglars. But especially when residents are away, these protections can be breached without notice until the crime is already complete. By adding a wireless security system that offers 24/7 monitoring along with door sensors, window sensors, motion detectors and glass-break sensors, homeowners can ensure that their home and belongings are monitored and protected at all times. With most of these systems, monitoring-center personnel can alert homeowners to any suspicious activities via a phone call or text message when a sensor is breached. Then, personnel can alert law enforcement to the situation if homeowners do not respond or do not recognize the detected activity.
What To Look For in Home Security Systems
- Decide whether a professional or self-monitored system will work best for you.
- Look for home security systems with smart home integration.
- Choose cellular or Wi-Fi monitoring (if it’s within your budget) as it’s less likely to be tampered with.
- Look for established brands in home security and tech, as they likely have the support you’ll want when it counts most.
2. Home Video Monitoring Systems
When residents depart their homes, they typically must leave most of their valuables unattended. But by installing Wi-Fi security cameras, they can use their smart devices to keep an eye on their home and its contents at all times and from anywhere with a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. For full-property monitoring, surveillance cameras can be placed indoors and outdoors, and some of the advanced camera features modern technology can deliver include two-way audio, motion detection with alerts, and night vision.
3. Smart Home Security
Today’s internet-connected smart devices allow homeowners to perform a range of security-related tasks using their smartphones, tablets or computers, no matter how far away from home they might be. With the click of a button or touch of a screen, smart door locks and smart plugs, can lock and unlock doors, or turn lights on and off to give the appearance that someone is home. In addition, smart thermostats allow homeowners to adjust temperature settings remotely for comfort and energy-saving purposes.
4. Wi-Fi Carbon Monoxide, Flood, Temperature and Smoke Detectors
Beyond burglary, other internet-connected monitoring tools can help keep homes safe from dangers such as fires, flooding, and other potential hazards to occupants and property. Examples of these devices include Wi-Fi-enabled smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and flood and temperature sensors, each of which can alert homeowners to these dangers whether they are at home or away.
5. Security-Related Smarts
In addition to employing advanced technological tools, implementing some general wisdom related to home security can also help prevent burglaries. For example, when on vacation away from home, it is best to refrain from posting photos and other information on social media that might let viewers know that the vacationer’s home is vacant. Further, asking a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on things and utilizing the U.S. Postal Service’s Hold Mail service when away for extended periods can also help lower a home’s risk of being burglarized.
Looking to add an extra layer of protection to your home? FTC Security offers a range of home-security services, including Home Security and Monitoring, Video Surveillance, Home Automation, and Fire, Home and Senior Safety services. Visit ftc.net to explore all the security services FTC has to offer, along with our latest security promotions.
