Burglars are getting smarter, and it’s up to you to stay one step ahead. But the myths out there about home security will do more harm than good.
The truth is that there are plenty of ways for burglars to get into your house, and a lot of people don’t even realize it. Don’t fall for these common myths!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Home security myths are prevalent and can lead to dangerous oversights. |
| Some common myths include relying on pet dogs, leaving lights on, and only investing in expensive security systems. |
| Effective ways to secure your home include installing reliable security systems, reinforcing doors and windows, and keeping your surroundings groomed. |
| False alarms can be prevented by proper installation, maintenance, and correct usage of your security system. |
| Installing indoor cameras is a personal choice and depends on your needs and preferences. Be mindful of privacy issues and respect your family’s rights to privacy. |
Myth 1: Expensive Home Security Systems Can Stop Burglars
It’s true that an expensive home security system can help to make your home safer, but it’s not going to stop a burglar.
Burglars don’t care how much money you spent on your alarm or what kind of security gate you have on your house they’re looking for easy targets with minimal risk.
In other words, they don’t want an alarm going off when they break through the window because then they’ll be caught by police and arrested.
So if you have an expensive system (and most people do), burglars will still target your home because they know that if they’re caught red handed in front of the police station, their chances of being arrested are higher than breaking into a less secure house with less expensive equipment installed inside it (or none at all).
And remember: burglars aren’t necessarily after specific items that are valuable; sometimes it’s just about getting into someone else’s space so they can take whatever is there!
It’s essential to prioritize the protection of your home and loved ones. Start by checking out our 10 Home Security Tips You Need to Know Now for expert guidance on making your home safer and more secure.
Myth 2: If A Burglar Doesn’t Want To Be Seen, Your Yard Lights Won’t Help.
Burglars want to be as unobtrusive as possible. They don’t want to get caught, so they will avoid being caught if at all possible.
If you’re worried about a burglar seeing your yard lights, worry more about the burglar seeing your house.
If you have a well-lit garage with automatic door openers and windows that let in lots of light, then that’s what the burglar is going to look for when he comes across your property in the dark.
If you want to keep an eye on your home from inside or outside of it, then install some outdoor lighting that suits your needs and preferences. You can use this same logic when choosing fixtures: make sure they’re bright enough for you to see what is happening around them but not so bright that they’ll attract attention from outside sources (or potential intruders).
Myth 3: Dogs Are A Deterrent To Burglars
This is one of the most stubborn myths that we hear all the time, so let’s just get it out of the way: burglars are not scared of dogs.
If you have a dog, and you leave it outside alone when you’re away from your home, this is not going to deter or discourage any would-be burglars from breaking into your home.
An unattended dog is still going to bark at intruders—but if they come prepared with mace or pepper spray (or even just a good pair of running shoes), they’ll be able to get in without getting bitten by your four-legged friend anyway.
Dogs can certainly be trained for protection purposes; however, you should always keep them indoors whenever possible in order to keep them safe and happy!
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Myth 4: Burglars Will Only Break In When You’re Away From The House
This is a common misconception and one that can be dangerous if you become too complacent. Burglars are opportunistic and will take advantage of any situation where they know they don’t have to worry about being caught.
They may even watch you leave your home or follow you on foot to see where you live and what kind of security measures are in place before they attempt to break in.
Don’t rely on neighbors or your dog to keep an eye out for suspicious activity, as this could put them at risk as well.
Your alarm system should also not be used as a replacement for basic home security measures such as locking doors, windows and garage doors.
Myth 5: Burglars Only Target Homes With Lots Of Valuables.
We’ve been conditioned to think that burglars target homes with lots of valuables. But the truth is, burglars don’t care whether you have $1,000 worth of jewelry or nothing at all.
They’ll break in and steal your TV if they can sell it quickly for cash. So even if you live alone in a modest apartment, your home is still at risk!
The best way to protect yourself from burglary is by creating an uninviting environment—it’s important to secure doors and windows with deadbolts, alarms and other security measures.
| Myths Debunked | Facts |
|---|---|
| Myth | Burglars only target homes that are filled with high-end items and have apparent wealth. |
| Fact | Burglars target all types of homes, regardless of their worth or value. |
| Fact | Burglars are frequently opportunistic and are looking for homes with weak security systems that are left unprotected. |
| Fact | According to the FBI, the most commonly stolen items in burglaries include electronics, jewelry, cash, guns, and prescription drugs. |
| Fact | Most burglars aim to take quick and easy-to-sell items that can be traded for cash or drugs. |
| Fact | Brands such as Ring and Nest offer video doorbells and security cameras that allow homeowners to monitor and secure their homes irrespective of value. |
Myth 6: Burglars Don’t Care If You Have An Alarm System
There’s a lot of truth to the idea that burglars aren’t deterred by home security systems. After all, there are a number of ways for them to disable those systems, including knowing the right keycode or disabling it in some other way.
An alarm system can also be completely ignored if it isn’t being monitored by an outside source. Many homeowners believe that simply having an alarm is enough to make their home secure but as we’ve already mentioned, these systems can be disabled or ignored if the right people know how they work and where they are located within your house.
It’s important to remember that alarms need to be connected directly with police dispatchers in order for them to function properly.
The homeowner must also have regular contact with their local police department in order for this type of connection between homeowner and law enforcement agency (LEA) officer(s) can remain solid throughout each new day/night cycle when darkness falls upon us so heavily every evening after sunset here on Earth.”
Keeping your home secure doesn’t have to break the bank. Discover our 15 Surprising Ways to Secure Your Home on a Budget to learn how you can add affordable layers of protection for your home and family.
Myth 7: Sliding Glass Doors Aren’t A Target For Burglars
Another myth is that sliding glass doors aren’t a target for burglars. While they may not be as easy to break into as other entry points, many criminals will look for the easiest way into your home, which means they’ll try your sliding glass door if it’s unlocked.
Sliding glass doors can also be more of a hassle to repair than other kinds of damaged windows, so even if you’re lucky enough to avoid being burglarized this time around, it could cost you more money in the long run if someone breaks a window or two while trying to get inside.
Myth 8: If Your Home Is On A Cul-De-Sac, It’s Safe.
Don’t assume anything is safe in your neighborhood:
A cul-de-sac isn’t a guarantee of safety. It’s not uncommon for criminals to drive through neighborhoods looking for an easy target—and if you live on a dead end street, your home may be more attractive than one with traffic flowing by it.
A street isn’t necessarily safe either. Criminals can easily walk up or down streets and case houses while they’re walking to their own homes. If you don’t want strangers able to see into your home, consider installing window film or other window treatments that limit visibility into the house.
You need to be careful about where you live within the neighborhood as well. If all of your neighbors have dogs and are friendly when they see each other on walks or at the mailbox, that doesn’t mean they’ll react similarly when confronted by intruders trying to break into their homes!
In fact, some breeds of dogs are known for being particularly aggressive toward strangers who come near their owners’ houses; this means that even friendly pooches like Labs can pose a threat if their instincts kick in during an attack (and even if they don’t bite anyone else but themselves).
The best way around this problem? Keep them indoors so no one ever has access to them except family members.
Boost your home’s defense with simple upgrades that pack a big punch. From investing in smart security technology to reinforcing your doors, our Maximize Your Home’s Security with These Simple Upgrades guide offers actionable steps to strengthen your home’s security.
Myth 9: Burglars Don’t Check For Spare Keys Outside Your House
You may have heard that burglars don’t check for spare keys outside your house because they’re too busy focusing on other things.
While this is true of some burglars, it’s not always the case. Many would-be thieves will use every possible tool at their disposal to get access to your home, including looking for spare keys.
Keypads and electronic systems may be great ways to keep unwanted people out of your house, but what happens if someone steals one? They can easily bypass these security measures by breaking in from outside or using a spare key to get inside!
It’s important to remember that all it takes is one person with some knowledge about locks or even just enough time to bypass this kind of protection and gain entry into your home.
Myth 10: A Security System Is Just For Wealthy People To Protect Big Houses And Expensive Things
This may have been true in the past, but today’s systems are affordable and easy to use. Technology has advanced so much that you can have a fully functioning home security system for less than $200!
Security systems offer peace of mind no matter what your income level is because most burglaries are crimes of opportunity—burglars look for homes that appear to be unoccupied or easy targets.
They do not want to get hurt or take unnecessary risks (like being discovered), so they tend to avoid “hard” entry points like doors with deadbolts and windows that require tools (unless they’re really desperate).
| Myths Debunked | Facts |
|---|---|
| Myth | Security systems are only for rich people with big homes and expensive goods. |
| Fact | Today, security systems are reasonably priced and accessible to virtually every homeowner. |
| Fact | Most people protect their homes, not because they have expensive items, but because they want to safeguard their families and property. |
| Fact | Security systems can be customized to fit individual needs and budgets, and include a range of features such as motion sensors, cameras, sirens, and smart controls. |
| Fact | Brands like ADT, SimpliSafe, and Vivint, offer budget-friendly options and installation services with no upfront cost, making it easier for homeowners to secure their homes. |
| Fact | Investing in a security system can also lower homeowner’s insurance premiums, and provide peace of mind in case of burglary or other emergencies. |
Myth 11: Neighborhoods With Low Crime Are Safe.
You may be wondering, “If crime can happen anywhere, why would I put up a security system?” The truth is that you should.
A good home security system will make it easier for police to respond quickly and effectively if there’s ever an emergency in your house or on your property (such as a break-in).
Even in the safest neighborhoods, crime can occur so it’s important to protect yourself with a quality system even if you live in an area where burglaries are rare.
The next time someone tries to convince you that something doesn’t need protecting because it’s too nice or expensive, don’t fall for their line of thinking!
There are plenty of reasons not to fall for this myth:
Crime doesn’t discriminate based on neighborhood; criminals often target homes/properties because they know people will feel safer living somewhere nice.
In fact, some studies show that areas with higher median incomes tend to experience more property crimes than lower-income areas do (but this isn’t always true).
Crime happens anytime during the day or night and depending on what type of burglary occurs at different times (burglary during daylight hours tends to take place while owners are away from their homes).
Don’t let common mistakes put your home and loved ones in danger. Our The Most Common Home Security Mistakes to Avoid guide outlines some critical security oversights and provides solutions to prevent them, so you can have peace of mind and protect your home effectively.
Myth 12: No One Would Ever Break Into My Home Because I Have Nothing Worth Stealing
We’ve all heard the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover.” In this case, it means that you shouldn’t assume that just because someone has a nice car or expensive jewelry that they won’t be targeted by burglars.
While most burglars are after cash and easily-replaced items like electronics, they often target homes with less obvious valuables as well.
For example, many people have old gold jewelry sitting in their dresser drawers or antique furniture stored away in the attic items that may be worth more than you think!
Another important thing to remember is that thieves don’t care about replacing things as much as we do; many of them are just looking for quick cash so they can buy drugs or alcohol.
If you have expensive items but no way to replace them if something happens (such as losing your job), then it’s worth it to invest in home security measures like video cameras or alarms so your property will be protected from theft at all times!
| Myths Debunked | Facts |
|---|---|
| Myth | No burglar would target my home since I don’t have any valuables worth stealing. |
| Fact | According to the FBI, most burglars are opportunistic and seek out easy targets, such as homes with little or no security measures. |
| Fact | Burglars may also steal everyday items like jewelry, electronics, and personal information that can be used for identity theft. |
| Fact | Criminals may target homes with specific items in mind, such as high-end electronics, toys, firearms, or prescription drugs. |
| Fact | Regardless of whether or not you have valuable items, it’s important to secure your home and deter burglars by investing in a reliable security system, reinforcing your doors and windows, and keeping your property groomed. |
Conclusion
Home security is important, but it’s not just about protecting your valuables. It’s also about keeping your family safe and secure.
This means knowing the myths so you can avoid them when it comes time to install a system or take other measures to protect your home.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about home security myths and how to protect your home:
Don’t Fall for These Home Security Myths – AAA provides valuable tips to make your home secure and dispels some of the most common home security myths.
Home Security Myths – Security Doctors discuss some common home security misconceptions and offer practical advice to help homeowners keep their homes safe.
Stop Believing These 7 Home Security Myths – CNET debunks some widely believed myths about home security and provides useful advice on how to make your home safer.
FAQs
What are some common home security myths?
Some common home security myths include:
- “Having a big dog will keep burglars away.”
- “Only expensive security systems are worth investing in.”
- “Leaving a light on will deter burglars.”
- “Burglars only strike at night.”
- “Neighbors will always notice suspicious activity.”
What are some effective ways to secure your home?
Some effective ways to secure your home include:
- Installing a reliable security system
- Reinforcing your doors and windows
- Keeping your landscaping tidy and trimmed
- Installing exterior lighting
- Keeping a watchful eye on your home and surroundings
Do I need to have a gun for self-defense?
Having a gun for self-defense is a personal choice, but it’s important to know how to use it properly and safely. It’s also essential to research and understand your state’s laws and regulations regarding gun ownership and self-defense.
How can I prevent false alarms from my security system?
To prevent false alarms, ensure that your security system is installed and maintained correctly. Train everyone in your home on how to use the system correctly and avoid accidental triggers. Also, make sure that all your sensors and devices are working correctly and replace or repair any damaged equipment immediately.
Should I install security cameras inside my home?
Installing security cameras inside your home is a personal choice, and it depends on your security needs and preferences. If you have valuable possessions or pets, security cameras can help you monitor them while you’re away.
They can also help deter burglars and provide evidence in case of a break-in. However, be mindful of privacy issues and respect your family’s right to privacy.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James and I’m a writer and editor with a passion for home technology. I’ve been working in this field for over 10 years, so I know what it’s like to be a part of the growing field of smart home technology. I’ve written about everything from how to choose the right smart thermostat to what the best smart doorbell is for your needs.
