People have always come up with innovative ways to protect the things that matter to them. From drawbridges and moats around castles, to the first burglar alarm using electromagnets and a bell invented in 1853 by Augustus Pope, human beings have long since appreciated the value of safeguarding what is theirs. Fast forward to the 21st century and home security is more important than ever. A lock and key are no longer enough to prevent unwanted access and more intricate security measures such as CCTV and burglar alarm installation have become the norm.
To help homeowners decide if they need to install intruder alarm systems or not, there is some useful information below, including statistics on how the humble burglar alarm has impacted home security over the years.
Home safety statistics
A quick search online will yield plenty of frightening statistics about home security breaches, such as:
- Every 165 seconds a house burglary takes place in the UK
- There are 525 home burglaries every day in the UK
- London has the most burglaries across the UK
- In 70% of break-ins the burglar enters through the door
- 60% of all burglaries take place between 6pm and 6am
Home burglaries are taking place even as you read this article, so assume that no one is safe. However, there are plenty of steps that you can take, as a homeowner, to protect your home, its occupants and belongings. The first step is to make use of an intruder alarm service, so let’s look at the benefits of doing so.
Key reasons to install intruder alarm systems
Statistics show us that up to 60% of burglars would be deterred by a home alarm and yet only around 32% of UK households have an alarm installed. From the most basic of alarms that sound if motion is detected, to the more sophisticated intruder alarm service that notifies a security company or the emergency services, all home alarms have been proven to act as a deterrent.
Here are some reasons why homeowners should consider installing an intruder alarm
Protection of property and valuables: an intruder alarm can help deter potential burglars and protect your property and valuable belongings from being stolen.
Enhanced safety: the alarm system can ensure the safety of your family members by alerting you to unauthorised intrusion, thus allowing you to take immediate action.
Peace of mind: knowing that your home is secure, protected, and monitored even when it’s uninhabited can provide you with peace of mind.
Potential insurance savings: having a security system installed can potentially reduce your home insurance premiums, leading to significant savings in the long run.
Remote monitoring and control: some advanced alarm systems enable you to monitor the security status of your home remotely through your smartphone. This also includes the ability to control various electronic components of your home.
How home security has evolved over the years
Over the centuries, home security technology has evolved dramatically, to the point where you can now control your door locks from anywhere in the world using your smartphone. A significant development in the history of home security was the invention of the first battery-powered burglar alarm by Rev. Augustus Russell Pope in 1853. His invention was later commercialised by Edwin Holmes, who also introduced the concept of monitored home security systems.
The invention of CCTV by the Germans during World War II led to the advent of video surveillance in home security systems. The first video-based home security system was patented by Marie Van Brittan Brown in 1969, allowing users to remotely unlock doors and view video footage from their home.
Home security systems became more common and affordable in the 1980s, with the introduction of wireless sensors sparking a revolution in the industry. The advent of the internet and digital age brought with it networked cameras that could transmit video via ethernet and Wi-Fi-enabled cameras. In the 2000s, hardwired systems became less common as cellular monitoring took the forefront, and interactive services allowed users to access their homes via a web browser or app. The introduction of wireless sensors that communicate via Bluetooth led to the birth of smart home security systems, which continue to evolve today, offering a comprehensive and interconnected approach to home protection.
Did you know?
The average cost of a home burglary is in excess of £3000 and you can expect that figure to be at its highest during the winter months, with festive gifts stored in many households. If you’ve been considering burglar alarm installation but haven’t got further than the information stage, now is the time to act, before you become a crime statistic.
First Contact Fire & Security Ltd is a security specialist offering an intruder alarm service to customers across Hampshire. Find out more about the benefits of burglar alarm installation on their website.