Home alarm systems on the rise

With the rash of burglaries in the West Valley, you may have noticed signs sprouting like multi-colored mushrooms in your neighbors’ yards and are wondering whether it’s time to install a home security system.

You’re not alone. Last year, Americans spent $4.4 billion on electronic security for their homes.

Crime remains a concern to many locals, however. And now’s an excellent time to get real value in home security.

Ron Rich, a local dealer, says many standard systems are free––subject only to the monitoring costs.

The systems do scare away burglars. One expert says homes without security systems are two to three times more likely to be burglarized.

"That doesn’t mean residents can just install burglar alarms and relax," said Rich. "The systems come with drawbacks and responsibilities and adequate burglary protection requires a combination of measures."

Crime experts say local residents should concentrate first on outdoor lights and good locks—and remember to use them.

However, when it comes to advanced home security, alarm systems rank at the top.

Rich reports on average a crook takes about 20 minutes to browse a neighborhood, usually a relatively wealthy one along a familiar route within three blocks of a main road.

They search out a quiet street that doesn’t have much pedestrian movement. Then they’ll zero in on an attractive house that is unoccupied (one proven deterrent is a car in the driveway), relatively isolated and has easy or concealed access (aided by foliage or lack of light, for example) through the back door. This is nearly identical to a recent burglary in Hidden Hills in which thieves got more than $100,000 in jewelry and cash.

Rich says most burglars are into an average house in 60 seconds but there’s danger in assuming burglars are rational and businesslike. Many are high on drugs and are there for money for their next fix.

Rich says his studies reveal 56 of 86 criminals interviewed said they wouldn’t try to break into a house with a security system. But quite a few would go ahead.

Why? For two reasons: (1) systems often aren’t turned on and (2) even if an alarm sounds, burglars have at least three to five minutes before the police arrive, plenty of time to grab money, jewelry, silverware, guns and small appliances.

For specific information about a free system, call Ron Rich at (805) 498-9318; toll free at (877) 369-2341 or cell at (805) 437-0870.