Following is a letter to the editor, entitled “Alarming Statistics Regarding Burglaries,” written by Peter A. Michel, president and CEO of Brink’s Home Security Inc., in rebuttal to the April 28 article published in the Wall Street Journal.

I am writing in response to the “A False Sense of Security?” article in the Home Front section of the April 28 Weekend Journal. Burglar alarm systems are, in fact, an effective deterrent to crime. Insurance companies recognize this and generally give homeowners insurance premium discounts to customers who have a monitored security system. Studies have shown that homes with alarm systems are far less likely to be burglarized than those without. In addition, the security system significantly reduces the amount of loss if a burglary does occur.

The False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA) has endorsed a model alarm ordinance. The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) and Brink’s Home Security also fully support the implementation of this model alarm ordinance. Among other things, the ordinance requires alarm users to obtain permits and pay fines for excessive false alarms. History has shown that proper implementation of the ordinance results in both a reduction of false alarms and revenue to the city sufficient to offset the cost of responding to false alarms.

We believe that continued effort is required in the reduction of false alarms. We also believe that alarm systems play an important role in reducing crime.

Peter A. Michel

President and CEO

Brink’s Home Security Inc.

Irving, Texas

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