National Home Security and Crime Prevention Center
Get all the most important U.S. crime and safety resources in one place.
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- National Crime Prevention National Crime Prevention Council Wanted by the FBI Crime Stoppers USA National Institute of Crime Prevention
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- Emergency Preparedness American Red Cross Federal Emergency Management Agency National Emergency Management Association Emergency Preparedness National Center for Disaster Preparedness The National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC) The Disaster Center
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Best Home Security Systems in the U.S.
The rankings and ratings expressed on safewise.com are determined by the extensive research of our editorial staff. To keep this service free, we generate advertising revenue from the companies featured in our rankings. Find out more about the best home security systems. Learn more
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- 30-day, risk-free trial
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- The most monitoring centers
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- Crash & Smash Protection with all plans
- Z-Wave home automation equipment
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More U.S. Crime Stats
Top 5 Burglary-Prevention Tips
1. Get a home security system.
In the United States, homes without a security system are three times more likely to be burglarized. That’s because burglars want to get in and out with your valuables with as little hassle as possible—why risk getting caught by a security system when they could just move onto the next house without one? If you protect your home with a security system, it sends a message to burglars that your home is not to be trifled with. To take your safety to the next level, protect your home with a security system.
2. Stay in touch while you’re away.
Keep up to date on the happenings in your home whether you’re sitting on your sofa, or out running errands. With the home automation features available today—like remote activation of your security system, control of your lighting and appliances, as well as live video streaming to your phone—it’s easier than ever to monitor your home from anywhere.
3. Make your home less appealing to thieves.
Don’t forget to take care of the obvious when you’re making sure your home is locked up. A locked door is useless if you leave a spare key in an easily accessible location like under a flower pot or door mat. It’s much safer to leave a spare key with a friend or neighbor. And don’t forget about the windows. Leaving a window open even a crack can be an open invitation to a burglar. Clear the way of hedges and bushes lining the front or side of your home, these can quickly turn into aids for the hiding thief. Outside lighting is also crucial—eliminating dark perimeters and driveways can be one of your best deterrents for burglars.
4. Participate in a Neighborhood Watch program.
Secure your community with a Neighborhood Watch program. If your neighborhood doesn’t have one, take measures to start one. If there’s already one in place, find out where and when they meet, and become a more informed citizen. Neighborhood Watch programs help people get to know their neighbors, strengthen the security of their neighborhoods, and find new ways to watch out for and report crime. Contact your local law enforcement agency to find out about neighborhood watch programs in your area.
5. Don’t get complacent while you’re on vacation.
When you go on vacation, it’s a prime-time for your house to be broken into. Try to avoid announcing your specific plans on social media, or making it clear online that the house will be empty. You’ll want to maintain a ‘lived in’ appearance while you’re away—having the mail and newspapers stopped before you leave can help with this. You can also set lights on timers to come on at different times during the evening and through the night. It is important to also let trusted neighbors know you’ll be away so they can keep an eye on your home. Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway at random times, or if it snows while you’re gone, ask a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house.
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