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The Department of Justice recently released an alarming report that one out of every four homes will be subject to serious crimes within the next 10 years. Over the next twenty years the numbers are projected to worsen. During the next 20 years one out of every 3 homes will experience a serious crime and or burglary. No area, urban or suburban is considered safe any longer. No matter where we live, be it large cities, small towns, or even remote rural areas, burglaries and other more serious crimes are increasing at a frightening rate. More than two million Americans a year are victims of burglaries, rapes, murders, and violent assault. One of the more sinister trends in crime that criminologists and law enforcement officials are studying is the rapid rise in "home invasions." During a home invasion family members are taken hostage in their own home to be assaulted and victimized by aptly named "sexual predators."
Much of the rise in criminal activity related to burglaries and home break-ins has been attributed to the growing drug problem. Increasingly, juveniles have become addicted to crack cocaine, heroin, and other new generation, extremely addictive drugs. After becoming addicted they must then steal $5,000 to $10,000 worth of household items each and every day just to support their drug habit. This need turns them into volatile, unstable, and dangerous full time burglars. For this reason law enforcement professionals warn never to confront any burglar should you discover one in your home. Otherwise what would have been a simple burglary may very easily turn into a violent assault or worse. It is advised that if you happen to wake up at night or come home to find a burglar present, again, do not try to stop him from stealing; and don't panic. Either leave the home quietly or lock your bedroom door and call "911" for help. As soon as the burglar gets what he wants he will usually leave. Experienced burglars can be in and out of your home in under 10 minutes. Over 2.7 million burglaries were reported to law enforcement officials in 1994. Sixty-seven percent of all burglaries involved forcible entry. Over 80% of all break-ins occur through a door. Over one-half of all burglaries happen during the day time. * Uniform Crime Report, 1994, U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation
There is an overwhelming preponderance of evidence that a properly installed, high quality, professionally monitored security system can be a major deterrent to burglars and other criminal types. Insurance companies have known this for years. The mere presence of a security system is so effective against household losses due to burglars that most insurance companies routinely offer up to a 20% discount to policy owners who install security systems. FBI studies have shown that a home equipped with a professionally monitored security system is fifteen times less likely to be burglarized. It has been demonstrated that the simple presence of a security yard sign prominently posted on a homeowners propert is enough to deter 80% of the would be intruders or burglars.
Conversely, depending on the crime activity in a neighborhood, homes without a security company yard sign are as much as 15 (fifteen) times more likely to be burglarized and victimized than surrounding homes that display security company yard signs. These homes are seen as easy targets for the burglars. In the past, security systems were viewed as a luxury that only the wealthy could afford. Today with the rise in crime and the price of security becoming affordable to the masses, more and more of the American public now view a security system as a necessity that they can no longer afford to be without.
American Guardian Security Systems, Inc. Office: (770) 446-9577 FAX: (770) 446-9643 |
