Home Security

Home security involves the security hardware in place on a property, and personal security practices. The hardware would be the doors, locks, alarm systems, lighting, motion detectors, security camera systems, etc. that are installed on a property. Personal security practices would be ensuring doors are locked, alarms activated, windows closed, extra keys not hidden outside and many other routine tasks which act to prevent a burglary. According to an FBI report, 58.3 percent of burglaries involved forcible entry. A typical burglary lasts for about 8 to 12 minutes and, on average, a burglar will break into a home within 60 seconds. Home security can be strengthened by adding a first line of defence like a thorny shrub or bush to give the burglar a hard time. A motion activated bright light can play a psychological role in deterring a burglar, also acting as a second line of defence along with outdoor security cameras. In order to protect the entry points, we need to have window and door sensors. Once a burglar gets past the second line of defence, motion detectors kick in. A motion detector can raise an alarm or send a security footage to the homeowner if it's linked to a camera system. Storing valuables like passports, jewelry, important documents, etc. might also be considered a home security precaution. Common security methods include never hiding extra keys outside, never turning off all the lights, applying small CCTV stickers on doors, and keeping good tabs with neighbours.

Forecasts suggest the DIY home security market will be worth $1.5 billion by 2020. While the market for home security is expanding, especially with cable TV and Internet service providers introducing their own security and home automation products, it is a fragmented market, with "a massive array of large and small rivals". The US market leader is ADT with more than 6 million households subscribed.

Data report from Federal Bureau Of Investigation shows 1.7 million homes were burglarized in 2014. The same report shows that an estimated loss of $3.9 billion was suffered by the victims in the same year. Overall, when the average value was applied to the estimated number of burglaries, the average dollar loss per burglary offense was $2,251.

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