An estimated 2.7 million security systems were installed in 1998. (STAT Resources, Inc.)
Homes without security systems are about 3 times more likely to be broken into than homes with security systems. (Actual statistic ranges from 2.3 times to 3.1 times, depending on the value of the home.) (Simon Hakim, Temple University)
Losses due to burglary average $400 less in residences with security systems than for a residence without security systems. (Simon Hakim, Temple University)
94 percent of alarm owners are satisfied with their alarm systems. (Simon Hakim, Temple University)
In 1994, home fires caused $481,000 in damage EVERY HOUR. (National Fire Protection Association)
From 1985 to 1991, an average of 16 people died each year due to burglar bars blocking their exits from burning homes or buildings. (Learn Not To Burn Foundation)
In 1993, fires started by cigarettes accounted for roughly 1,000 civilian deaths, more than 3,000 civilian injuries and nearly $400 million in direct property damage. (National Fire Protection Association)
In 1993, children playing with lighters started home fires resulting in 145 civilian deaths, more than 1,500 civilian injuries and just over $130 million in direct property damage. (National Fire Protection Association)
One survey in Pennsylvania showed that:
81 percent of residential intrusions occur through the first floor
34 percent of burglars entered through the front door
23 percent through a first-floor window
22 percent through the back door
9 percent through the garage
4 percent entered through a basement
4 percent through an unlocked entrance
2 percent through a storage area
and only 2 percent entered anywhere on the second floor. (Simon Hakim, Temple University)
A study in Connecticut showed that 12 percent of burglaries occurred through an UNLOCKED door. (Simon Hakim, Temple University)
A study in Connecticut showed that in 41 percent of alarmed homes that were burglarized, the security system was not turned on. (Simon Hakim, Temple University)
