Years ago, the only places that had security cameras were police stations, banks and some commercial buildings. Today, security cameras are everywhere. In recent years, sales of security systems for homes have surged, with security cameras being a vital component of most home security systems. Billions of dollars — $20 billion actually — is the amount of money Americans annually spend on security devices and home security systems.1 Even doorbell cameras have become a common part of the home security landscape, with reported sales of the Ring smart doorbell by Amazon topping 400,000 in December 2020 alone.2
Locksmiths have been busy updating security systems in homes more often than ever.
Convenient Security
There are a number of good reasons why smart doorbell sales have surged in recent years. Security was the primary factor which motivated at least 63 percent of smart home device owners to buy either a smart doorbell or a smart lock.3 Convenience was also a big factor in buying decisions. With a smart doorbell the homeowner can observe what happens outside their home without having to be at home.
Smart doorbells are also a deterrent for thieves who steal packages off porches, which is a growing issue, especially in apartment complexes and urban areas. A 2021 survey of over 2,000 Americans found that 90 percent of survey respondents received a package delivery at least once a month and over half received a package on a weekly basis.4
In the first nine months of 2022 it was reported that 1 in 7 Americans had fallen victim to porch pirates stealing their packages with the average value of stolen packages at $112.30.5 In addition to monitoring packages, smart doorbells allow homeowners to accept packages when they aren’t home and to see who is at their door without having to open the door to a possible intruder.
Deters Crime
The statistics on home burglaries are sobering, as it is reported that 75 percent of all homes in the U.S. will experience a burglary in a 20-year span, regardless of the home’s neighborhood.6 Smart doorbells and home security systems can deter thieves who will generally target a home without a security system over one with a security system.
This logic was confirmed by a study done by the University of North Carolina – Charlotte which reported that 83 percent of burglars look for security cameras prior to breaking into a home and 60 percent of criminals would consider another target if a security system was present.7 Having security camera footage can help solve crimes if a burglary does occur, helping to improve the statistically low amount (13 percent) of property crimes that are solved each year.
Alerted in the Moment
Being able to survey your property in real-time is also a deterrent to burglary. Many security cameras have sensors which detect motion as well as Wi-Fi connectivity. If excessive motion is detected you get an alert on your smartphone. Once alerted, you can access the camera and see what is happening and take steps to thwart a home invasion.
This real-time access to your home security camera can also alert you when a child gets home from school, when house cleaners and pet sitters enter or exit your residence and can also be helpful in monitoring the status of elderly members of the family.
In addition to peace of mind, some of the cost of a home security cameras can often be recouped by letting your home insurance provider know that you have a home security system. Having captured a theft on camera also helps in settling insurance claims.
A professional locksmith can provide expert advice on what type of smart doorbells and cameras would work best for your particular situation, can install these connected devices in the most advantageous sports to deter thieves and can assist you in issues with accessing your devices remotely.
Call Action Locksmith to help with your home’s security. Our family-owned locksmith business addresses everything residential from re-keying locks and keyless entry to door installation and lock repairs. We also provide commercial locksmith services for your Michigan business. Call us to learn more!
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1, 6, 7 Surprising Home Burglary Facts and Stats by Deane Biermeier, 1/23/2023
Link: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/home-security/home-invasion-statistics/
2, 3 Doorbell Cameras in the U.S., Statistics and Facts 2021
Link: https://www.safehome.org/doorbell-cameras/statistics/
4, 5 2022 Package Theft Statistics Report
Link: https://www.crresearch.com/blog/2022-package-theft-statistics-report/