Few people are as familiar with home security systems as the professionals who install them. Unfortunately, there are some people who have an interest in understanding how your home's alarm system works: intruders. Not only do they know how your system works, but there's a few things they hope you don't realize about it. Here are 5 things intruders don't want you to know about your home security system.
1. The Alarm's Panel is Visible Through Your Front Door
If your home has a fancy front door with decorative glass, your alarm system panel may be in plain view of anyone standing on your step. An intruder just needs to peer through the glass, and they'll be able to see the lights that indicate whether your alarm is activated.
An activated alarm may not deter a professional burglar, but an opportunistic amateur will be tempted if you aren't home and they can see that the alarm isn't set. If your alarm is already installed and it's in plain view from your front step, you can try placing a tall houseplant so that it obstructs the view of the panel.
2. Your Alarm Only Works When It's Set
Alarms only work when they're set. Everyone knows this, but homeowners don't always set their security system. In a survey conducted by Nationwide, 30 percent of homeowners admitted to leaving their security system off while they ran "a quick errand." This is especially disconcerting, considering that the U.S. Department of Justice's data shows that most burglaries occur during the day when no one is home.
3. You Should Have a Sensor on Your Master Bath Window
Your master bathroom window is one of the favorite entry points for intruders, as it leads directly to where you likely keep your jewelry. Most homeowners' valuables are kept either in their bedroom or in the attached bathroom, but few consider installing a sensor specifically for the master bathroom window. Even if you forgo window sensors to save on an alarm system, consider having a single one installed on this window at least.
4. Alarms Make Intruders Hesitate, Even If Just for a Second
A home security system will not physically prevent an intruder from breaking into your home. That's what locks are for. An unexpected alarm, however, will make an intruder hesitate momentarily.
Even if the noise only delays them a moment, the slight pause could be significant. According to Yahoo Homes, intruders aim to spend less than 60 seconds breaking into homes. A three-second pause could eat up 5 percent of the time they plan on using to find a way in. Although it’s very short, this could be enough time to make them retreat.
5. Your Neighbors Will Ignore Breaking Glass
You can't rely on your neighbors, even if you have nosey ones, to hear a window breaking. Even if they're home and notice the sound of crashing glass, they're unlikely to investigate. They may pause and wait to hear the sound again, but they probably won't take action unless it's repeated. If you're concerned about an intruder coming in through a window, your security system needs to have a sensor that will detect broken glass.
When viewed through the eyes of a potential intruder, you may see several vulnerabilities in your home security system. Thankfully, though, these are usually easily remedied. If you'd like to learn more about how you can make your alarm system more secure, contact us at Vivint. We'll gladly discuss any potential liabilities with you and suggest possible solutions.
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