Burglary

Crime statistics can be startling -- even frightening. According to 1992 FBI Uniform Crime Reports, a burglary happens every 11 seconds and the majority of burglaries are residential.

• According to Master Lock Company, making it difficult for thieves to enter your home is an effective way to protect your possessions. Research by the Natinoal Crime Prevention Institute shows that burglars generally will work no longer than 60 seconds to obtain entry.

• Every October is National Crime Prevention Month and a great time to consider improving your home's security. Many companies and communities have special programs focused on crime prevention and home security, including Master Lock Company. During October, look for the displays in your local home centers and hardware stores

• Security systems reduce crime in commerical settings. Businesses without alarm systems are 4.5 times more likely to be burglarized than those that have an alarm system. Source: Commercial Security: Burglary Patterns and Security Measures, Metrica, Inc.

• Of all uncompleted burglaries, 74% can be credited to an audible alarm. Source: Securing Home and Business, Hakim and Blackstone.

From: http://www.nettips.com/safe/crime.html

Fire

A burglary or fire does not go unnoticed when the business is unoccupied. A monitored system provides automatic notification of authorities in the event of intrusion or fire whether the premises are occupied or not.

• In 1999, residential fires started by smoking materials (typically cigarettes, cigars and pipes) accounted for roughly 882 civilian deaths, 2,126 civilian injuries, and $335.3 million in direct property damage.
  Source: The U.S. Smoking-Material Fire Problem Through 1997, National Fire Protection Association, December 1999, Quincy, Mass., 617-984-7274

• In 1997, children playing with fire (typically lighters and matches) started 16,970 residential, 3,120 business, 850 car and 44,130 other residential structure and outdoor fires. This resulted in 284 civilian deaths, 2,158 civilian injuries, and more than $283.3 million in direct property damage, mostly from home fires.
  Source: Children Playing with Fire, National Fire Protection Association, January 2000, Quincy, Mass., 617-984-7274

• About 81% of all U.S. fire deaths occur in the home.

In 1999, home fires caused $567,000 in damage EVERY HOUR.
Source: National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Mass., 617-984-7274

Where Burglars Enter a House...

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.

A study in Connecticut showed that 12 percent of burglaries occurred through an UNLOCKED door.
Source: Simon Hakim, Temple University, 215-204-7476

A study in Connecticut showed that in 41 percent of alarmed homes that were burglarized, the security system was not turned on.
Source: Simon Hakim, Temple University, 215-204-7476

Residential Fires are Expensive and Deadly...

About 81% of all U.S. fire deaths occur in the home.

In 1999, home fires caused $567,000 in damage EVERY HOUR.
Source: National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Mass., 617-984-7274

Fires are Linked to Products...

In 1999, residential fires started by smoking materials (typically cigarettes, cigars and pipes) accounted for roughly 882 civilian deaths, 2,126 civilian injuries, and $335.3 million in direct property damage.
Source: The U.S. Smoking-Material Fire Problem Through 1997, National Fire Protection Association, December 1999, Quincy, Mass., 617-984-7274

In 1997, children playing with fire (typically lighters and matches) started 16,970 residential, 3,120 business, 850 car and 44,130 other residential structure and outdoor fires. This resulted in 284 civilian deaths, 2,158 civilian injuries, and more than $283.3 million in direct property damage, mostly from home fires.
Source: Children Playing with Fire, National Fire Protection Association, January 2000, Quincy, Mass., 617-984-7274

Links to More Information

For more information crime prevention information contact The National Crime Prevention Council http://www.ncpc.org/ and STAT Resources at http://www.stat-resources.com