Safety and Security Features for Your New Home

Recently social unrest, riots and violence are rising in major US cities. This is frightening to many who are concerned about the impact of violence on them, their property and household. According to Vox, “Based on preliminary FBI data, the US’s murder rate increased by 25 percent or more in 2020.”

Reassuring, however, is data from the FBI’s Preliminary Uniform Crime Report, January–June, 2020 which informs us, “In the property crime category, offenses declined 7.8%. Larceny thefts were down 9.9%, and burglaries decreased 7.8%.” All sections of the country experienced decreases in property crime. In the South the overall decrease was 9.3%.

Property crime has not been eliminated. According to the FBI, property crime includes burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. “The object of theft offenses is money or property, but there is no force or threat of force against the victims. The property crime category includes arson because the offense involves the destruction of property; however, arson victims may be subjected to force.”

Taking place primarily as a crime of opportunity during daylight hours, burglary impacted 60,280 homes in Florida in 2019. The average theft and damage for 2019 property crime in our state is $17,571. Motor vehicles are the most frequently stolen property while jewelry and precious metals are the next most frequently stolen types of property. Law enforcement in Florida arrested 64,087 for larceny that year. If you are someone whose property has been stolen you can choose to protect your home and property with home monitoring systems.

What new home features will ensure your property’s security and your family’s safety?

“Sixty-three percent of those surveyed want their smart home to have smart security systems.” High-tech safety systems are essential components of a smart home and monitor all aspects of your premises. Almost 90% of millennial homeowners said they pay more for a connected home. Broadband-connected smart homes are increasing in number. Being connected via broadband provides many opportunities for cutting-edge safety and security solutions.

Video surveillance systems dominate the home security systems market, accounting for the largest market share of the market.

“Most residential users are rapidly adopting cloud-based residential security solutions that are user-friendly, can be self-monitored, and operated from a remote location. Cloud-based services are also used to store images captured by surveillance systems with on-demand scalability without any additional cost for end-users.”

Home monitoring systems monitor and alert police, fire, or private security services and send out calls for help.

• Perimeter security cameras
• Gated driveways
• Entrance monitoring
• Electronic door locks specifically encoded for each family member or individuals such as your cleaning or maintenance crew
• Fire / smoke detectors and alarms connected to 911 reporting
• Motion detectors and interior cameras
• Glass break sensors
• Home fire suppression
• Carbon monoxide monitoring
• Water leak monitoring which shuts off the water supply in case of a line leak or break
• Backup / switchable power / network / phone (land and satellite) systems build in redundancy that remains in the case of interruption

Deter property crime by ensuring your property is well-lighted. Most break-ins in Florida happened in the day, but 10,213 occurred at night. Also, secure your boundaries with structural fencing of brick or wrought iron.

Consider your landscaping plans. Keep foundation plants low to prevent places where burglars can gain access without detection. Keep lines of sight from the street open if possible so law enforcement may easily monitor your property. Also, make certain that law enforcement has access codes to your gate and property. Be sure to place monitoring cameras in all areas of your property, including out-buildings and accessory dwellings.

Your security is critical to your property. We look forward to discussing your home’s construction, including planning now for your household’s safety and security.