Whether you’ve personally ever been burglarized or not, the fact remains that home break-ins are overwhelmingly common in the United States. Each year, more than 2.2 million burglaries happen in the U.S.
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This means there’s at least one break-in every 15 seconds. But experts believe advanced technology is starting to discourage the frequency and ferocity of these attacks.
The Impact of New Technology on Home Burglaries
“Burglars want an easy target where they won’t likely be seen and where they can get in and out fast,” SecurAmerica explains. “So they select an unoccupied home with the easiest access, the greatest amount of cover, and a great escape route.”
According to data gathered by InMyArea, security systems deter 90 percent of burglaries. Additionally, homes without security systems in place are three times more likely to be targeted. But not all home security systems are created equal. And in some cases, the best technology isn’t even a traditional alarm system.
Here are some of the top gadgets, solutions, and technologies that homeowners are using to lower their risk of being burglarized.
1. Connected Devices
One of the more exciting developments in the Internet of Things (IoT) space is the functionality of connected devices. In particular, homeowners are discovering the unique benefits that come with connecting smart devices around the home.
“By connecting your motion sensor to your lighting system, it is possible to have your lights flash a warning or even change color if an intruder is detected,” home automation specialist Malcolm Stewart writes.
“Alternatively you could have a message sent to your phone, or directly to the police if someone unexpected is detected in your home. Or you can have your sound system play in response to unexpected movement in the home, which would alert you if you were sleeping and startle any burglar who happened to be in your property.”
Burglars may be able to easily identify one automated feature, such as a motion-sensing floodlight, but it’s far more challenging for them to assess a situation when there are lighting, sound, video, alarms, and other sensory elements. Homeowners would be smart to connect as many features as they have for greater prevention.
2. Cloud-Based Security Cameras
Security cameras are valuable in deterring criminal activity and recording evidence. They also provide ongoing visibility for greater peace of mind. But today’s home security cameras are far more advanced than they were just 10 years ago. Cloud-based technology allows for remote viewing and nearly unlimited video storage.
3. Smart Lighting
Outlet timers have been around for decades. But while they give homeowners the ability to automatically turn lights on according to a specific schedule, they’re fairly limited and predictable in their features. This isn’t the case with newer smart lighting.
Smart lighting can actually learn a homeowner’s schedule, operate on an intelligent basis (sensing light, movement, and other changes), change colors, turn the brightness up and down, and more. This makes it perfect for homeowners who want to secure their properties when they’re not home, at work, or on vacation.
4. Mobile Motion Sensors
“Cameras can be great for catching crooks in your home, but not everyone is comfortable living in a surveilled space,” John Patrick Pullen writes for TIME. “The SmartThings Motion Sensor, available for $40 or as part of the $249 SmartThings Home Monitor Kit (which includes the required SmartThings Hub), can provide smartphone alerts when a room sees some unexpected action.”
These portable motion sensors, which are now offered by a number of different brands, are extremely versatile. They’re often used in garages, sheds, or on back decks and patios. They can even be used in liquor cabinets or other sensitive areas of the home to keep teenagers or other occupants away. Pair them with connected lights for even greater security and peace of mind.
High-Tech Means High-Security
Not everyone is crazy about the idea of integrating surveillance technology into the home. But at the end of the day, it’s the best way to prevent home burglaries and protect your property from dangerous crimes. And thanks to evolving technology and advanced innovation, there are plenty of ways to increase security without compromising privacy. Whether burglars like it or not, homeowners now have the upper hand.
