Do You Really Need a Home Security System? 6 Considerations

A 2022 Gallup poll on crime showed that 45% of Americans had concerns about their home being burglarized while away (and 34% worried about it being burglarized while at home).

That same year, there were more than 673,000 burglary incidents reported in the US, based on crime data submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Fifty-seven percent of these incidents occurred in residential homes.

Indeed, increasing concerns about residential crime are leading many to ask, “Do I need a home security system?” Let’s examine some of the top reasons people use a security system, and factors to consider when deciding to take additional measures to protect their home.

Do You Really Need a Home Security System?

There are several considerations when analyzing if a security system is suitable for your situation, property, and lifestyle. Regardless of certain factors, such as household size and location, a reliable home security system adds an additional layer of protection, especially when backed by professional monitoring.

A security system enhances the safety of you and your family, as well as your home and belongings. It can also provide fast, life-saving assistance in case of emergencies, detecting intruders and alerting to environmental dangers, such as smoke, carbon monoxide, and water leaks.

Today's home security systems go beyond protection with smart home features that add convenience and can even help reduce energy costs.

Who Uses Home Security Systems?

Those With Safety Concerns

Simply put, anyone who wants to feel safer at home uses a security system.

A 2023 Gallup poll indicated that 63% of Americans described crime in the US as either ‘very or extremely serious’. For many, investing in a home security system is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Those Wanting More Control & Efficiency

A benefit of security systems is that they offer homeowners more control over their property. With video surveillance, for example, you can use real-time monitoring to check in on cameras around your property. Devices like smart locks can also give you control over access points, allowing only trusted visitors to enter.

The latest smart home security systems are accessible remotely, making it convenient for homeowners to manage settings and devices via smartphone. Smart home devices can be easily integrated for additional control over lighting, temperature, and more. These advances in technology also save time—there's no need to be at home or manually adjust settings and check your property.

Those Looking for Peace of Mind

Life gets hectic, and many people simply want one less thing to worry about. An expert-designed security system with always-on monitoring provides peace of mind. Whether you’re at home or away, you can rest easy knowing that your home is protected.

Considerations When Buying a Home Security System

We’ve highlighted the main reasons why people are interested in home security systems. Now, let’s examine additional factors that can help determine if home security is right for you.

Owning a Home or Property

The most common consideration as to whether you need a security system is if you own a house or land. Significant expenses go into buying and maintaining property, and it's a smart decision to protect those investments. A security system adds another layer of protection for your property and valuables in addition to enhancing the safety of you and your loved ones.

Victims of burglary offenses lost an average of $2,661, according to a 2019 study from the FBI. Commonly burglarized items include money, electronics, clothing, consumable goods, and firearms. The cost of a comprehensive security system can help offset the risk of loss (and potentially save you money on homeowner’s insurance).

Property Size & Location

The size of your home and property are important to keep in mind when deciding on home security. Increased size means more space to secure to prevent intrusion and potential threats. If a property doesn’t have physical deterrents, such as bushes and fencing, a robust security system ensures the perimeter is protected.

Larger houses have more entry points, including doors, windows, and garages, which can increase the risk of break-ins. Homeowners must take all access points into consideration when thinking about securing their homes, and a professionally designed system offers widespread coverage.

Location is another consideration when assessing home security. According to a 2023 Gallup study, 55% of polled Americans believed there was more local crime compared to the year prior. While there are many variables that impact burglary rates across regions, one common factor is visibility.

Residences on heavily trafficked roads may be subject to more vehicles and people passing, making these homes not as appealing to trespassers because of the increased chance of being seen. Homes on the outskirts of neighborhoods or in more secluded areas can be targeted by burglars because there is a lesser chance of detection.

Spending Time Away from Home

Like how a more isolated property can be an attractive target for burglars, so can a seemingly unoccupied or vacant home. Leaving your house unattended for periods of time, whether at work or on vacation, can make it vulnerable to potential break-ins.

Opportunistic burglars may spot if the lights are off, vehicles are away, or uncollected mail and packages are accumulating. Sharing travel plans on social media can also inadvertently broadcast that your home is empty.

Creating the illusion of occupancy can deter burglars and help secure your home. Properties with visible security systems, including cameras, alarms, and yard signs, also make your home a less likely target—whether you’re home or away.

How to Find the Best Home Security System

Everyone has the right to feel safe at home. Regardless of the size of their property or location, many homeowners simply want to ensure that their home, belongings, and loved ones are protected—and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are.

The best security approach is proactive, and many homeowners choose professionally installed security systems for an extra layer of protection. At Brinks Home™, our team of experts is committed to providing reliable home security with 24/7 professional monitoring.

Contact us today to design a system tailored for your home’s needs.