Choosing to invest in a home security system is a big decision. In an ideal world, no one would need one, but in 2022 alone, there were 269 burglaries for every 100,000 people in the US.[1].
The need for home security is clear, and it’s only natural to have questions about how to keep you and your family safe. We’ve answered some of the most common questions people have when looking to have professionals install a home security system.
Read more to learn about the benefits of home security systems and why you might need one.
Why is Home Security Important?
Property Crime is much more prevalent in the US than violent crime, according to Pew’s analysis of FBI data for 2022[2]. Larceny/theft tops the charts, with 1,401 incidents per 100,000 people. Motor vehicle theft, with 282 incidents, and burglary, with 269, came in second and third.
A comprehensive home security system can help protect you, your family, and your property from break-ins and theft.
First, it acts as a deterrent—multiple studies have shown a broad reduction in crime when cameras are visible, as covered in this New York Times article.
Second, it ensures that, if someone is intent on targeting a property, the system can trigger alarms instantly, notify the police rapidly, and capture evidence of the incident as it happens. CPI Security customers have access to Perimeter Alert, which detects when a person, animal or vehicle is on your property.
What Do Home Security Systems Do?
Home security systems protect you, your family and your property from burglars—as well as other incidents like fires and floods—by alerting you to danger.
To be more specific, CPI Security’s systems are tailored to each property, and they include the latest technology like indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells, door and window sensors, and smart door locks to provide you with an extra layer of security.
You can control your system using a central SmartHub control panel and/our InTouch® app, so you can keep an eye on your property, wherever you are.
CPI Security also offers Night Guard, our premium nighttime security service that automatically responds to threats by dispatching the authorities when a credible threat is confirmed – all while you sleep soundly.
What are Your Security Needs?
Everyone has different circumstances. You might feel safe wherever you are, or you might live in the quietest, most crime-free place in the US—but you still might want a home security system, just for peace of mind.
We see a lot of reasons. Keeping an eye on second homes, keeping valuable items safe, and making sure pets are okay tops our lists of reasons why our customers seek out a security system.
Whatever the reason, it’s up to you. If you’d feel better being able to monitor your property—whether from your own bed or when you’re far away—it’s your choice, and it’s easy to get a system customized for you and installed by experts.
Are Home Security Systems Worth It?
Two of the main benefits a home security system provides include reliable home protection, peace of mind for your family, and keeping your property safe. Visible equipment like alarms, outdoor cameras, and video doorbells also acts as a deterrent for burglars. Plus, at CPI, we offer 24/7 alarm monitoring. Our monitoring team notifies first responders should there be a break-in, fire, or flood. So, you’ve got one less thing to worry about.
However, you won’t only be protecting your property, but your wallet too. In 2019, FBI statistics showed that, on average, a homeowner lost around $2,661 when burgled[3]. Not only will you be ensuring you and your family’s safety, but you could also be avoiding a hefty loss.
Do Alarm Systems Deter Burglars?
Yes, they do. Burglars want to be in and out of a property as quickly as possible, without raising an alarm—literally. One of the main home security pros is not only being alerted to theft but also deterring it. According to research in the UK by Co-op Insurance, ex-burglars have said that the biggest deterrents when scoping out properties are security cameras and dogs barking[4]. This is because they want to attract as little attention as possible, with cameras being at the top of their list of deterrents.
The same was also true for cars, with outside cameras being the number one reason why they would turn away from possible vehicle theft. Having a comprehensive security system in place that features both indoor and outdoor surveillance may be something you want to consider.
Do Home Security Systems Reduce Home Insurance Costs?
According to the US Insurance Information Institute, improving your home security can help you get discounts of up to 15% on your home insurance[5]. Of course, this will depend on who your policy provider is. It’s also worth noting that some home security systems may not qualify, so it’s always worth checking with your provider beforehand.
What’s the Difference between a Professionally Installed and DIY Security System?
Professionals, who’ve been background-checked, install a security system as part of a comprehensive network of equipment within a property. These pieces of equipment — for example, cameras, sensors, and alarms— often connect to a central hub and wider security network. This means it’s also able to directly alert local first responders if the system detects an incident.
A DIY security system is an out-of-the-box solution that you often need to install yourself, though you can also pay someone else to fit it. These usually provide more limited monitoring options, as well as operating as separate pieces of equipment that aren’t connected to a central control hub.
CTA: Learn more about CPI’s professional installation services
Is It Important to Get a System with a Monitoring Center?
Yes, it’s important to get a system with a professional monitoring center if you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing that a team of trained experts is monitoring your property.
You can get security systems—especially self-install ones—without a monitoring center. But, with a professionally installed system, monitoring teams can directly respond to alarms, meaning they contact both you and local authorities to help deal with the situation as quickly and efficiently as possible. This is one of the main benefits of having a professionally installed home security system.
If your home security system isn’t connected to a monitoring center, you’ll usually receive a notification on your mobile device. These can often be missed and also require you to respond to incidents and contact authorities yourself. In the time it takes to do this, things may have escalated, or a burglar may have already left your property.
Whether you have a home security system installed or not is your choice—only you know what will make you feel safe. If you’d like a free quote and some guidance, then get in touch with CPI Security, and one of our accredited advisors will support you through the process.
[1] https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/04/24/what-the-data-says-about-crime-in-the-us/sr_24-04-23_crime_2/
[2] https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/04/24/what-the-data-says-about-crime-in-the-us/sr_24-04-23_crime_2/
[3] FBI — Burglary
[4] Former burglars say barking dogs and CCTV are best deterrent | Insurance industry | The Guardian
[5] 12 Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs | II
