Statistics
Filed under: Residential, Security
These statistics are compiled from national FBI crime reports. We have compiled them here as a reference to general crime and ways to mitigate your losses. Remember, these are national statistics and not specific to Oklahoma or your specific area.
While Wiring Solutions does not believe in “scare tactics” sales practices, these statistics are interesting and should be used as a learning tool to help you better make an informed decision about security measures you may need to take.
Source: FBI.gov
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that a burglary takes place approximately every 14 seconds.
- Over 2 million residential invasions occurred in 2006
- 90% of police organizations state that a burglar alarm helps to deter invasion attempts
- A home without a security system is 2 to 3 times more likely to be invaded
- Property crime, which includes burglary, makes up more than three-fourths of all reported crime in the U.S.
- Burglaries accounted for an estimated 21% of property crimes in 2006
- The average monetary loss per event in 2006 was $1,725
- Over 65% of burglary offenses were committed within residential structures, many of which were not protected by any type of house alarm
- 62% of residential burglaries in 2006, among those when time of occurrence was reported, took place between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- The number of burglaries increases between 1% and 2% every year and worsens considerably in times of economic downturn such as those seen in recent years.
Some additional interesting facts on how burglars enter your home.
- 81% of residential intrusions happen through the first floor of the home
- 34% of burglars enter directly through the front door
- 23% of intruders come into the home through a first floor window
- 22% of burglars enter through the back door
- 4% of burglars enter through a basement
- 12% come in through an unlocked entrance
- 2% of home intrusions happen on the second story of the home
Criminals prefer an easy target as opposed to a home where there is a possibility they will encounter resistance or be discovered. One of the best deterrents is advertising you have a monitored security system. This may keep them moving to the next home. Maintaining neatly trimmed bushes and trees will also help deter anyone from hiding behind them while they pry open a window or door. Lighting is also overlooked as a deterrent as is possibly the best deterrent for night time crime. Criminals generally lurk in shadows and will avoid well lighted areas.
For more information please see the interactive game from the hit Discover Channel program “It Takes a Thief” by clicking here.
