Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, or even renter, you want to make sure your home is always a safe haven. As such, whether it’s through security features like cameras or gates, to barriers like locks and keys, we do our utmost to ensure our homes are secure. As such, in our quest to learn more about the world of security, here are some home safety statistics you might not be aware of.
Crazy Interesting Home Statistics
Burglary Statistics
Residential Break-Ins
In the United States, there are approximately 1.4 million residential burglaries each year. Moreover, statistics show that a burglary occurs every 25.7 seconds in the U.S., highlighting the constant threat to homes. Furthermore, 65% of all burglaries happen between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., when many homeowners are at work or school.
Entry Methods
The most common point of entry for a burglar is a front door. 34% of burglars enter through the front door, while 23% gain access through a first-floor window. Surprisingly, only 9% of burglars enter through the garage.
The Importance of Locks
Locking Habits
Around 30% of Americans rarely or never lock their doors. I mean, maybe it’s just me, but what’s the point of a lock if you aren’t even using it? The simple act of locking one’s door could go a long way to prevent crime, as 34% of burglars enter homes through unlocked entrances.
Lock Quality
Just like how people are willing to pay more in insurance, sometimes it pays to have a pricier, but higher-quality lock. For example, the use of a deadbolt alone can make a home up to 60% more secure, and reduce the likelihood of a break in.
Keyless Entry Systems
The Rise of Smart Locks
Smart locks, which provide keyless entry through smartphones or other devices, have been on the rise. The smart lock market is projected to reach $6.1 billion by 2027. It’s also anticipated that this number will only continue to rise, as 67% of homeowners consider this tech to be more secure than traditional locks.
Security Concerns
While many people consider smart locks to be effective, there are also quite a few who worry about the efficiency of this technology. Around 58% of homeowners with smart locks worry about the security of their devices.
Home Safety and Family Life
Children and Lock Safety
While most of this article is about keeping people locked out, it’s important to highlight how accidental lock-ins can be a danger. Each year, over 2,000 children are taken to the emergency room due to injuries related to being locked inside or outside of a home.
Lock and Key Misplacement
On average, individuals spend around 2.5 days per year looking for lost items, with keys being a common item.
Home Invasion Trends
Timeliness
It’s easy to imagine that a home invasion takes hours as they rifle through your belongings, but that’s not the case at all. Rather, home invasions are often swift, with the average break-in lasting only 8-10 minutes.
Security Systems
Homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be targeted by burglars. Need I say more?
Home Intrusion Costs
The Financial and Emotional Toll
It’s obvious that if one’s home has been invaded, there will be repercussions as a result. The average financial loss due to a burglary is around $2,800. Also, many victims report dealing with anxiety and feelings of violation afterwards.
Gender and Burglary
Perpetrators
Approximately 92% of burglaries are committed by males, although female burglars are on the rise.
Victims
Women are more likely to be home during a burglary.
Home Safety Precautions
Common Precautions
Nearly 76% of Americans have taken at least one precaution to secure their homes, such as installing deadbolt locks or security cameras.
Security Cameras
Surveillance Systems
Playing off the stat from before, homes that are equipped with security cameras are 300% less likely to be targeted by burglars.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Sometimes, it pays to pay more. Many homeowners opt for do-it-yourself (DIY) security systems. However, professional installations are 300% more likely to prevent break-ins due to their expertise.
There are many intriguing facts about home safety that ought to be considered. In understanding what is and isn’t most beneficial, we can implement safety practices to protect the things that matter most to us. If you need to update or rekey your property today, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with our team of professional Arizona locksmiths!