Home Security & Deterrence Measures
Prevention has been and will always be better than cure, and with that in mind, deterring and preventing theft, burglaries, and robberies from happening will always be a better strategy than relying on apprehension after an adverse occurrence.
The ratio of crimes solved to break-ins is abysmal, making an even stronger case for prevention and deterrence since the prospects of recovering stolen property after a break-in are bleak. This can be made even grimmer when burglaries escalate into violent crime, carrying the risk of paying the ultimate price.
Deterrence factors can and should be cheap and easy to implement, and all they require is a little forethought and prudence regarding security.
When scouting a potential target, burglars usually choose empty, low-traffic areas that are easy to access and have no discernible security features.
Deterrence factors can involve measures and products that are non-intrusive and work efficiently in the background, requiring little to no interaction from humans.
The purpose of deterrents is to dissuade, prevent, or at least delay intruders, mostly by causing or drawing undue attention to the actions of the intruder or making their activities overly difficult and unlikely to succeed.
Security cameras
Over 70% of potential burglars reconnoiter a target to ascertain the presence of security cameras before attempting a home break-in. From that lot, a disproportionately high number of them would avoid the target and seek easier prospects when they discovered the presence of security cameras.
CCTV cameras are more than deterrents. If burglars or intruders decide to go ahead and attempt a break-in, security cameras can capture images that can be used for evidence, investigations, apprehension, and prosecution.
Some cameras are even active deterrents, i.e., they can send immediate alerts, push notifications, or activate sirens immediately after a breach is detected, rather than passively collect evidence for later action.
Fake or dummy security cameras can be a deterrent, but most people are familiar with what real cameras look like, and when the presence of fake cameras is detected, it can even make the target more enticing for a potential intruder.
Alarm and Intruder Detection Systems
A burglary or intrusion is supposed to be a covert and discreet undertaking, and anything that draws attention to the fact is detested. This is where alarm and intruder detection systems come in.
These are active deterrents and usually emit a loud warning sound that is universally recognized by almost everyone.
Burglars actively avoid targets with alarm systems installed, or even ones they feel have a good chance of having an alarm system. This is especially true when they feel they can’t get away quickly enough when the alarm system is activated and starts blaring, attracting attention.
Security lighting
A well-lit area is an obvious no-go zone for a potential burglar. Bright motion-activated security lights are also an effective deterrent, as they can signal to residents or even passersby that someone is moving about.
A bright security light suddenly coming on throws off a potential intruder and signals to them that it might be just one of the several security measures probably in place.
Security lights illuminate the activities of an intruder, which are supposed to be discreet and enshrouded in darkness. The prospect of the intruder being seen clearly from a distance can be enough of a deterrent in most cases.
Some advanced lighting systems can trigger connected lights around the home to turn on, making the home awash with bright lights.
Security signage
A cheap but surprisingly effective deterrent can be in the form of security signs and stickers that announce the presence of security systems or measures in place, such as “Premises under 24 HR CCTV Surveillance,” “Beware of Dogs,” “Trespassers will be shot,” and “Electric Fence,” among others.
These are especially effective when there’s an actual security system installed that is visible to the intruder, and the sign acts to stress the fact. When paired with an actual installed system, like a conspicuous security camera, they send a message that the property has gone to all lengths to ensure protection.
Most burglars tend to be opportunistic and usually target homes or targets without much prior planning. The presence of such signs, prominently and conspicuously displayed, acts as a major deterrent for opportunist burglars.
Such signs can be placed on fences, outside walls, the gate, or yards. They can even be used to great effect on car windows.
More info: Do Security Signs really deter criminals?
Steel bars and barricades
Structural deterrents such as heavy steel bars and barricades on doors and windows send a strong signal to potential intruders that their attempts might be extremely difficult, if not outright futile.
And for the determined ones, it means they’ll have to spend a considerable amount of time trying to breach the barricade. An intrusion should ideally be a quick enterprise, and the more time they spend on the attempt, the higher the chances of attracting attention and being caught. Most intruders usually weigh their options quickly and end up passing and seeking easier targets.
Spiked fences and walls
Spiked fences and walls are also another form of structural deterrent. Even simple actions like embedding jagged, broken bottles on the top of perimeter walls can dissuade climbers, as they pose a great risk of physical injury and would impede swift getaways.
Thorny bushes and barbed wire serve to deter intrusion and burglary attempts by introducing the risk of physical injury and slowing down an intruder either during an intrusion or an escape after the fact.
The mere fact that a burglar might be prevented or delayed from escaping prevents them from trying to gain entry in the first place.
Dogs
A considerable number of convicted burglars confess that the presence of barking dogs in a home can be enough of a deterrent, even without any other measures in place.
Barking dogs can be relentless in drawing attention to an intrusion attempt, and this can be made worse if the would-be burglar thinks the dogs are capable of inflicting real physical harm. In most cases, burglars elect to find targets free of barking dogs.
Simulated occupancy
Some devices that can be employed include smart systems that simulate occupancy, tricking burglars and intruders into believing that the home is inhabited. This is particularly helpful for homes where the occupants travel or work late, leaving the house unoccupied for lengthy periods of time.
Opportunist burglars would rather choose a home where no one is at home.
Electronic devices
Other helpful devices can include smart locks, motion sensors, or video doorbells that send alerts when tried or when motion is detected.
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A good security system is multi-layered, i.e., it involves several security and deterrent systems working in concert to complement each other, such as an alarm system blaring and turning on security lights, which then help the security cameras capture clearer images while sending immediate alerts to relevant people.
An alarm system by itself might or might not scare away an intruder, but when paired with a working security camera that also records activities, it helps put off some intruders.
A security camera by itself might not deter a burglar, especially if they take measures to conceal themselves and cover themselves up, but when paired with a blaring siren and bright lights, it can be enough to dissuade a burglar.
An alarm system and security camera might not prevent a burglar from attempting a break-in, but a secure door, windows, and locks might make their attempts futile and impel them to give up and escape before responsive action is taken.
Electronic security systems might not be enough of a deterrent for a home burglar, but when paired with vicious dogs, the intruder is suddenly faced with the prospect of real physical injury, which is an effective deterrent.
More info: Physical Security Components
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