According to the FBI crime statistics released in 2020, there were an estimated 1,117,696 burglaries in 2019 in the US.

In total, this amounted to roughly $3 billion in property losses. This means that the cost to victims of burglary offenses was, on average, $2,661.

It is estimated that one burglary event occurs every 25.7 seconds in the US. Having your house broken into and your personal possessions stolen can have a far greater impact than simply the value of those items. Not only will there likely be costs to fixing the damage done to your house due to the break-in, but it also can create a significant amount of emotional stress in you and your family members.

Are home security systems worth it? Let's take a look at everything you need to know so you can make the best decision for your household.

Are Home Security Systems Worth It?

Do you really need a home security system? At the end of the day, only you can decide if you want to invest beyond simple home security measures. However, with burglary as common as it is in the United States, having an alarm system can at the very least give you peace of mind.

To help you understand whether or not it's worth it for you to install a home security system, let's take a look at what ADT security systems include.

Protects Your Valuable Possessions

If you know anyone who has ever lost valuable possessions like jewelry, electronics, or personal items due to a home invasion, you know how devastating it can be. Many material objects can be replaced. However, other sentimental objects might never be found and might be irreplaceable.

Deters Crime

This is one of the most obvious benefits that can make home security worth it for many families. Many criminals are looking out for security systems as it's important to them that they can enter and leave a property without being noticed.

The presence of a home security system is a common reason that burglars will move on to find an easier target. This leaves your property and your family safe.

Lowers Homeowner's Insurance

Having a home security system can actually cause your homeowner's insurance to decrease in price. Insurance companies see having a security system as an effective deterrent against theft. For this reason, they will often charge you less to insure your property.

Helps Give You Peace of Mind

Your home is the center of your and your family's world. If you are constantly worrying about your property while you are away or at night, installing a security system can radically reduce your stress levels.

With an ADT security system, your home will be monitored 24/7 by home security professionals. Certain packages also come with motion detection, which means that security cameras and lights will be triggered if someone is lurking around your home that shouldn't be there. 

On top of this, ADT security systems can come with an entryway contacts service, where you and ADT are alerted if someone tries to enter your home who shouldn't while also triggering a high-decibel alarm.

Do Alarm Systems Really Deter Burglars?

Yes, security systems do, in fact, deter burglars. One particular study interviewed former burglars, who stated that two of the most prominent reasons they would avoid breaking into a specific home were security cameras and barking dogs.

Many burglars are opportunistic. This means that they tend to avoid breaking into homes when it's likely to attract attention. When a burglar sees that a home has security cameras, it means that they are more likely to be identified and caught by the police.

Having a security system can help to give you peace of mind, as there is an extra layer of security even when you're at work or out of town. When you're not home, you can rest assured that your home is far more protected than if you didn't have a security system. Security systems can both deter criminals but also alert you right away if someone is poking around your property, meaning that you don't have to spend your vacation stressed out about whether or not your home is safe.

Another study was performed by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. It found that 60% of the incarcerated individuals they interviewed said that they would look to see if there was an alarm system before attempting a burglary. Most of these individuals that said that they would actively look for alarm systems stated that finding the presence of an alarm system would lead them to move on to find a different target.

People who rob other people's homes typically know that there is a higher likelihood that they will be caught if an alarm system goes off. They are aware that security systems frequently alert the police immediately and make it so the threat of being caught is significantly increased.

Using yard signs and stickers to identify that you have an alarm system has also been found to be an effective deterrent. However, it is not necessarily advisable to just buy the signs and stickers without installing an alarm system. Many burglars will approach a home to see if there are any indications of an alarm system even if they see a sign in your yard.

Are Home Security Systems Effective?

Home security systems are one of your best lines of defense against home burglary. When thieves are looking for targets, they are looking for homes that they feel confident they can get in and out of without being detected. Your home is protected when it has an audible or visible security system that includes features like alarms, outdoor or motion-sensor lights, security cameras, and stickers advertising the system.

What happens if a criminal still went through with trying to break into your home despite the clear signs that you have a security system? This creates a scenario where there is a much higher likelihood that the police will be able to track them down. Security camera footage is an important piece of evidence that can be the crucial key that helps identify burglars.

When choosing a home security system, it's important to take a look at what features and services are included.

Is ADT worth it? With ADT, you'll receive pro-set-up, professional monitoring, fast police response times, and the ability to easily upgrade your equipment over time. Having an ADT security system installed can help give you peace of mind that your property always has an extra set of eyes keeping watch.

Should You Put a Security Sign in Your Yard?

Some property owners will put a security system sign in their yard without actually installing a security system. While this might deter some potential criminals, others will approach your property to look for indications that the sign isn't just a bluff.

Unfortunately, many criminals are well-versed in how to spot a fake sign. If they decide to investigate your home beyond the yard sign, they might easily be able to tell that you don't actually have any security system installed.

All it takes is a quick search on Google to find out if a security company really exists. Experienced burglars will know what to look for to find out if you have an alarm or security system. They will look for things like a mounted camera or an alarm keypad in order to find out whether or not the home is really protected.

Putting a sign in your yard and stickers on your window, however, can be an effective tactic in combination with installing a home security system. This can be your first line of defense against individuals who are considering robbing your home.

The sign might deter some criminals. However, others who decide to investigate further will find that you do, in fact, have a system set up to protect your home from theft.

Is It Time For You to Install a Home Security System on Your Property?

Sadly, home break-ins are a common form of property crime in the United States. You've worked hard to build a safe, secure, and comfortable home for yourself and your family. The last thing you want is for a criminal to waltz onto your property and threaten your family's safety and steal your most valuable possessions.

Are home security systems worth it? In short, yes, they are.

They don't just ensure that you'll receive faster police response time and help increase the likelihood that a criminal will be caught and prosecuted. They also can help to deter a burglary from ever occurring in the first place.

With ADT home security systems, you can receive professional monitoring of your home, professional installation and setup, the ability to upgrade your system over time, and so much more.

Whether you're a frequent traveler and you want to know that your home is protected while your gone, or you'd like to have the peace of mind that your family is safe at night, installing an ADT home security system is the best line of defense against the possibility of a home break-in.

Is it time for you to consider getting a home security system? If so, you can get a free quote today!