subject: Myths about Home Invasion and Burglary [print this page] A home invasion is generally considered to be an unlawful entry into a residence while the occupants are home, and may involve such crimes as rape, assault, robbery, kidnapping, or threats to the homeowners. Burglary is similar in that it involves a perpetrator breaking and entering into a home with the intent to carry out a crime such as theft. The definition varies from state to state, but both are unsettling types of crimes. As a homeowner, you want to do whatever you can to prevent either type of crime from occurring, whether it involves installing a motion sensor light or an adt alarm. There are some prevalent myths that have cropped up over the years, and this is your guide to the actual truth and statistics about these crimes. Myth 1: Wealthy people are the primary victims of burglary. In reality, middle and lower class homeowners are the most frequent victims of intruders. Burglars usually target homes right in their own communities. Myth 2: A security system like an adt alarm is not affordable so I should just take my chances. The truth is that there are security plans at all price points. In addition, homeowners with security systems often receive lower home insurance premiums. The discount varies, but rates can be as much as twenty percent lower with some agencies. Myth 3: Home insurance is the best way to contend with the threat of property crime. In fact, most insurance companies have a cap on how much they will pay out for valuables like jewelry; additional coverage is needed to recover costs that exceed a set amount. Insurance agencies cannot give you back your sense of safety and security after an incident, either. Myth 4: Home alarms are not much of a deterrent to real thieves. The fact is that a security system like an adt alarm offers serious protection. One study found that a home without a security system is three times more likely to be robbed and ransacked than a home with an active intrusion detection system in place. Myth 5: My dog will stop an intruder. In truth, dogs are wonderful pets, but they are not dependable against thieves and thugs. Even professional guard dogs can be tempted by a slab of steak or by the intruders own dog, but a home security device like an adt alarm cannot be tempted by a dog treat or a pretty Lassie. Myth 6: Ill hear an intruder trying to break in to my house. Actually, the majority of break-ins occur during the day, while youre at work. The typical thief breaks in to a home between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Nine out of 10 criminals convicted of home invasion say that they would avoid homes with a security system like an adt alarm. The typical perpetrator is not looking for a challenge, and will bypass a secure home for a less secure one up the street. You want to have the secure home that doesnt end up as just another part of these statistics.
