The Cost of Alarm Monitoring vs. the Cost of a Break-In
Property crime in the United States is costly. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, property crimes in 2018 resulted in an estimated $16.4 billion of losses.
The Cost of Crime
Larceny-theft is the most common of all property crimes, accounting for 73.4 percent. Larceny-theft is defined as the unlawful taking, carry, leading, or riding away of property from the possession of another. Shoplifting falls into this category.
- The average value of the property taken during a larceny-theft is $1,153.
- Burglary is the second most common property crime and is defined as the act of entering a building or car with the intent of committing a crime. Residential property burglaries account for 62.8 percent of all burglary offenses. The average dollar loss for a burglary is $2,799.
With the rise of online shopping, porch piracy is also a costly type of theft year-round. The thieves don’t have to break into anything—they walk up to your front porch and take what they want. An estimated 36 percent of Americans are the victims of porch pirates, according to recent research, and nearly half of those have had packages stolen multiple times.
- The average cost to replace the items stolen from porches is $109.
According to interviews with 86 inmates currently serving time for burglary, merely being able to see a security camera would keep them from breaking into a home. If they did break into a home and a security alarm went off, they would leave immediately.
The average price for home security monitoring services starts at $27 a month—comparable to what most of us pay for music and media entertainment subscriptions each month. This cost is also reasonable when you consider the peace of mind and protection it brings from property crimes that can cost you thousands of dollars.
Plus, you can recoup some of the cost of your monitoring from discounts on your home insurance coverage. Home insurance companies offer policy deductions for those willing to invest in a monitored alarm system because they know it will save them money.
If you are considering installing a security system for your home or business and want to learn more about your options, call us for a free estimate. FSS can monitor your fire alarm, burglar alarm, or security cameras all without breaking the bank.
Explore Our Other Blogs
7 Ways Home Monitoring Keeps Your Pets Safe
Your family’s safety is at the forefront of your mind when installing a security system, and that includes your pets as well. When researching a security product that suits your needs, consider the ways that this technology can help your pets stay safe too. We have detailed some of the most common hazards as well…
The Only SimpliSafe Review You Need to Read
What is SimpliSafe? SimpliSafe is one of several do-it-yourself home security systems on the market. The challenge with any DIY home security system, in our opinion, comes down to the customer experience. SimpliSafe’s customer support offers minimal assistance to ensure you adequately install and troubleshoot your system. While they do provide an 800-telephone number, the…
When Is Automatic Fire Detection Required?
A fire detection system is a good idea for your property, and many insurance companies offer discounts based on your level of protection. While not required in your private residence, the law does require automatic fire detection in a wide array of other facilities. Local Building Code Requirements Your state’s building code will spell out…
How to Prepare for a Fire Inspection
Updated May 2023 Most people learn how to react to fire alarms from a young age. The sharp, jarring noise of the sirens instantly notifies everyone within earshot of a possible emergency and the need to evacuate. These fire safety alarm systems are mandated worldwide and need regular inspections and maintenance to promote safety. As…
Why Night Staff Should Have Fire Alarm Training
In the years that I traveled as a Sales Representative, I experienced many times when a fire alarm would go off throughout the night. As the hotel guests evacuated, I often found that the night staff didn’t know what to do. In almost every case, it was an accidental alarm, and in many cases, night…
How Do Wireless Doorbells Work?
A doorbell is a pretty self-explanatory tool—you press the button outside, and a chime goes off inside, alerting the homeowner that someone is at the front door. Like everything else, though, today’s technology has brought even the humble doorbell into the limelight as an indispensable tool for convenience and security. Pros and Cons of Wireless…
3 Ways to Prevent Shoplifting
Preventing shoplifting is a big deal if you’re a retailer. According to the 2018 National Retail Security Survey, shoplifting continues to be the leading cause of inventory loss for retailers. Loss of stock is a big deal in this country to the tune of nearly $47 billion. The survey also identifies the top ways retailers try…
Fire Systems for the Manufacturing Industry
Few industries face as many fire safety concerns as manufacturing does, and the consequences of poor fire safety can be catastrophic. From 2017 to 2021, roughly 36,784 fires occurred yearly at industrial or manufacturing properties, causing $1.5 billion in direct property damage. With materials prone to combust or explode, industrial businesses must take extra care…
Ring Doorbell Cons
Video doorbells are a great addition to home security, and Ring is the popular choice for many who prefer wireless security. Although there are some pros to the Ring Doorbell, it has some cons you should be aware of before purchasing from Ring. Monthly Fee for Storage The cheapest Ring doorbell is $59.99, with the…
Alarm Monitoring Services: How They Work
An ear-piercing siren and flashing strobe lights create an immediate sense of emergency and indicate an alarm of some sort has been triggered. Now that the alarm has been triggered and the warning sirens have sounded, what happens next? If you have a monitored security system, it won’t just be the neighbors or passerby alerted to…