Alaska Home Security: What You Need to Know
The violent crime rate in the state of Alaska in 2009 was higher than the national average by 32%, and Alaska's property crime rate was higher than the national average by just over 21% that same year, according to DPS.Alaska.gov and CityRating.com.*
In 2010, a total of 3,083 burglaries were reported in Alaska, comprising 15% of property crimes. So when do these burglaries occur? Interesting, more burglaries occurred during August than any other month, and the fewest burglaries occurred in December. Just over 62% of the burglaries reported in Alaska were residential in nature with an estimated property loss of $5,276,585, for an average loss of just under $2,800.
Forcible entry was used in 62% of the burglaries, and 32.5% involved no use of force. Method of entry was not specified for the other 5.5% of burglaries.
Burglary is one of the most common crimes in the U.S., but fortunately there is a lot that ordinary people can do to help lower their risk.
Help Protect Your Home and Family from Burglary
Burglars look primarily for three things:
- Easy access
- Presence of portable, valuable objects
- Easy escape
Helping to prevent access or making it unreasonably difficult for a burglar is something any Alaska resident can do. Here are some tips:
- Use deadbolt locks on every exterior door. Make sure that the only people with keys are those that you authorize to have them.
- Install motion sensor lighting over your driveway and over walkways around your house. A bright light suddenly switching on is often enough to send a burglar fleeing.
- Burglars tend to target cash, electronics, jewelry, and firearms because they are portable and valuable. If you keep large sums of cash or expensive jewelry in your house, invest in a safe that can be bolted to the floor.
- Draw the drapes or rearrange furniture in rooms where you have expensive electronics so that they are not easily visible from ground floor windows.
- Use light timers and have your mail collected when you are out of town so that it's not obvious no one is at home.
- Consider installing an ADT monitored home security system.
Home Security Systems
The monitored home security systems of today are effective and affordable, and increasing numbers of Alaskans are using them to add an extra layer of security beyond strong locks and other security measures. Whenever the security system detects a break-in, fire, or smoke, the monitoring center is alerted immediately. The homeowner is notified and appropriate emergency responders are summoned.
ADT monitored home security systems come with lots of terrific features, like an intuitive LCD control panel that allows instant two-way communication with the monitoring center, passive infrared motion detection devices, and door and window chimes that sound whenever the door or window is opened.
These security systems also come with a handy wireless keychain remote that can be used to arm or disarm the system. The keychain remote also has a "panic alert" button that can be used to instantly alert the monitoring center that you're in immediate danger. This feature is particularly appreciated by older Alaskans who want to maximize their independence without compromising safety.
If you would like to find out more about how ADT monitored home security systems can help you, call our security professionals at Protect Your Home today Protect Your Home is the nation's number one ADT Authorized Dealer and has more than 150 installation centers throughout the nation. Installation can be arranged quickly and conveniently so that there is minimal disruption to your schedule. You do not have to wait long or spend a lot of money to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from around-the-clock monitored home security.