Summer Brings Highest Rate of Burglaries – Is Your Home and/or Business Secure?

Don’t Just Rely on a Security System to Protect, Be Pro-Active and Report What You See

According to the FBI, the summer months of July and August have the highest rates of burglaries. Several cuts to various regional law enforcement property crimes division budgets are forcing many to step up their awareness of their surroundings even more and report suspicious activities, such as car prowling and the removal and theft of car parts, of particular interest, batteries and catalytic converters.

Same goes for protecting your home. Just yesterday, the Spokesman Review offered tips on how to protect your property from theft.

What does all of this mean? Nobody is watching our backs 24/7. We need to take control of our surroundings, become more aware of what is going on around us, and be pro-active to report suspicious activities ASAP to your local crime prevention hotline, where there may be an actual reward for solving a crime based on a tip you have given.

BUSINESSES

Start with a business plan, too, which covers everything from disaster preparedness to internal protection measures. Get started here if you haven’t one: http://www.ready.gov/business/plan/index.html Businesses also need to take better measures to secure their clients’ personal data, as 2011 has already revealed that data breaches are topping the charts in fraud activity. BBB suggests that businesses take time to assess their security and privacy protections in place. Start with BBB’s Security Made Simpler: http://www.bbb.org/data-security/intro-to-small-businesses/

INDIVIDUALS

Finally, it makes sense that many individuals could use some additional help in their quest for peace of mind. With that in mind, Better Business Bureau is advising homeowners, who are looking to secure their property this summer (which also includes vehicles in garages), to do their research when picking a home security system.

FACTS

According to an Academic Study of Home and Business Security by Temple University, the Electronic Security Association (ESA) says that homes without security systems are about 3 times more likely to be broken into than homes with security systems. (Actual statistic ranges from 2.2 times to 3.1 times, depending on the value of the home.) Losses due to burglary average $400 less in residences with security systems than homes without alarm systems.

Although no system makes your home completely burglar-proof, a home security system can reduce your chances of being burglarized and give you some peace of mind. In 2010, BBB received nearly 25,000 inquiries from customers asking about burglar alarm systems.

BBB TIPS

BBB advises you to do the following when looking to invest in a home security system:

Choose a professional installer. The best home security system will accommodate your lifestyle and specific valuables you want protected. Carefully consider your security requirements and budget. You may also get recommendation from the insurance company that covers your home. Deal only with reputable firms and check out the company with BBB first.

Contact at least three companies before selecting an installer. Find out if they are properly licensed in your state and if they screen employees before hiring. Make sure to check with the ESA website for a list of member companies throughout the United States who have agreed to abide by the National Code of Ethics.

Ask about all charges up front. Prices for home security systems will vary, based on the level of protection and type of technology used, so be sure to compare apples-to-apples bids on similar systems. Do not forget to factor in the initial installation charge, as well as monthly monitoring charges. Also, talk to your insurance agent; some systems may qualify you for a discount on homeowner's premiums.

Know the ins and outs of your contract. If your alarm system will be monitored, either by your installing company or by a third-party monitoring center, find out the length of the contract. Typically, monitoring contracts are between two to five years in length. What is your recourse if you are not satisfied with the services provided? Can you cancel the contract? What are your rights if your monitoring company is purchased or acquired by another alarm company? These are the types of questions you need to consider before you obligate yourself to a long-term contract.

Insist that the installer "walk" you through your system until you fully understand how it works. This will prevent the most common problem: false alarms. False alarms are an indicator of the quality of the alarm installation and user education. Ask for a complete inspection of your property and an itemized written estimate. Review the sales contract closely to ensure you understand exactly what equipment and protection you will be provided.