In honor of Burglary Prevention Month, observed in June each year, the National Burglary and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) is sponsoring a security awareness campaign to educate consumers on how to protect their homes and deter crime.
According to the 1999 FBI Uniform Crime Report, one burglary is committed every 15 seconds, with 2.09 million burglaries reported that year. Also, according to a security consultant group, 90 percent of police officials believe security alarms deter burglary attempts.
A good standard system covers the entire perimeter of a home and alerts the homeowner and intruder. Basic elements of a standard system include: a control panel; a keypad; a siren; an inside motion detector; and door and window contacts. In addition to owning an alarm system, the association recommends preventing burglaries by using common sense tactics, including installation of interior and exterior lights, deadbolt locks, owning a dog, and starting a community policing program.
A free copy of NBFAA’s consumer brochure, Safe & Sound: Your Guide to Home Security, is available. For more information, visit www.alarm.org.
