Do Alarm Systems Deter Burglars? Which Home Security Methods Actually Work

With readily available plug-and-play options, home security systems are more accessible than ever. While it’s natural to hope that even just hanging a sign from ADT, the most popular security system brand in the U.S., might be enough to deter crime, the data is mixed on whether alarm systems do deter burglars. Some research has shown that homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be burglarized, while others show a modest decrease in crime. 

Whether you hire a professional or go the DIY route, modern security cameras and alarm systems don’t have to be prohibitively expensive, so they may be worth it for peace of mind. Here’s what you need to know.

Most Property Crimes Aren’t Burglaries

According to the most recent FBI data, larceny and theft accounted for more than 70% of property crimes. This involves things like pickpocketing, shoplifting, and bicycle theft. Only about 16% of crimes were burglary. In other words, most criminals aren’t breaking into people’s homes, which alarms and surveillance cameras aim to prevent.

Nonetheless, home security systems are still useful because most people aren’t home during a break-in. According to the Department of Justice, only 27.6% of burglaries happened when someone was home, and 65.1% of burglars knew the person they burglarized.

There’s Some Evidence Security Cameras Deter Crime

Research about whether or not security cameras deter crime isn’t clear-cut—but there’s solid evidence that they help. Multiple studies link the installation of security cameras with reduced burglary rates.

According to David Margulies, a spokesman for the Security Industry Alarm Coalition, a study by the Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice found that an increase in security alarm installation caused a decrease in burglaries over five years.

Prominently placed security cameras may reduce crime, but it’s hard to prove amidst historically declining crime rates. NBC News looked into Amazon’s claim that their Ring doorbell security camera reduced burglaries by more than 50%. They could only find evidence from law enforcement agencies, who largely believed that the cameras helped but couldn’t say how much. Most officers admitted that they caught very few criminals using Ring security footage.

Most Burglars Admit Alarm Systems Deter Them

Both experts and actual burglars say alarm systems deter break-ins, mainly because most burglars are amateurs. In a University of North Carolina at Charlotte study that surveyed 422 convicted burglars, 83% of burglars admitted they check homes for alarms before breaking in. 60% of the burglars claimed an alarm would change their minds.

“The benefit of a security alarm comes more from deterring crime and limiting loss if a burglary does happen,” says Bill Nelson, owner of Nelson Alarm in Indianapolis.

Other Security Measures to Consider

Even if you aren’t ready to purchase a home security system, you can take alternative security measures. Some home security upgrades are simple enough to tackle over a weekend.

Check out the following home security tips to increase safety in and out of the home.

Utilize Smart Locks

Do you have a spare key under a flower pot or doormat? Most burglars know exactly where to look, but a smart lock—which uses a code, fingerprint, mobile app, or keypad instead of a traditional key—eliminates this risk.

Get a Dog

If you were thinking about getting a dog anyway, a study published by U.K.-based Co-op Insurance found that man’s best friend can help deter crime. Almost half of the burglars surveyed admitted that loud barking dogs keep them away.

Strengthen Your Doors and Windows

Most break-ins involve some sort of property damage, like smashing a window. An air conditioning window unit can be an easy point of entry. In the Co-op Insurance study, burglars revealed they avoided breaking into homes with heavy doors and UPVC windows. There are plenty of ways you can secure windows, like using locks and bars.

Some homeowners choose motion detectors or window sensors. Both options offer potential benefits to home security. Motion detectors can help catch intruders when they approach your doors and windows, while window and door sensors help catch intruders after they attempt to enter a home. You can take it a step further than motion detection with presence detectors. These sensors are more sensitive to motion, which can make them good for subtle monitoring.

Make It Look Like You’re Home

Since most break-ins happen when people aren’t home, looking like you’re home can help prevent burglaries. In the Co-op Insurance study, burglars admitted that they could be deterred by something as simple as leaving on a TV. Motion sensor lights may also help, and window treatments can make it harder for burglars to tell if someone is home.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Install a Security System

Most security systems are DIY-friendly, making it easy for you to simply order your system and install it yourself. At the same time, amateur installations can create blindspots or faulty devices that fail to capture a crime—especially if you don’t know how to install a home security system. For these reasons, it’s best to hire a pro to install your security system.

An experienced alarm system installer near you can pinpoint the best locations to install your security system. They might even recommend other steps you can take to secure your home, like trimming trees and shrubs, to make crime even less likely. From security cameras to motion-sensor lights to window and door sensors, your home’s weak entry points will be better protected from burglars with the help of a trained professional.

Be sure to vet your provider when choosing a home security company to ensure you receive the best services in your area. This can help maximize your safety and give you the best bang for your buck.