Archive for May, 2009

According to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting, in New Jersey there were 37, 482 Burglaries in 2007. Compared to 2006, that represents a small decrease. In 2006, burglaries numbered 39,433.

However, anecdotal evidence indicates that with the recession, crime has gone up in 2008. Formerly, many break-ins were so-called “snatch and grab” burglaries. That is to say, a perpetrator, motivated by the need for money to buy drugs, would break in and take what they could. Unfortunately, in the current economic climate, law enforcement officers indicate that many burglaries are committed by people who lost jobs, and are out of work. This creates a situation in that the would be burglar does not look like a strung out dope addict. He or she could be your neighbor.

One of the more poignant episodes occurred in Wyckoff, NJ this April. The home had its door kicked in and every room was ransacked. The home had an alarm system, but it was not activated.

Do It Yourself Home Security Systems

Less Expensive Security Alarm Systems are frequently installed by the consumers in New Jersey households.

Do it yourself home security systems are wireless, they are easy to install and do not require an expensive technician to come to your home. Top name companies have designed easy to install systems for the do-it-yourself homeowner. Many of these systems are designed and manufactured by GE.

DIY alarm systems are primarily wireless systems, and the door and window contacts are easy to install. Make sure that the company that sells you this type of product can offer a company to monitor your system once you install it.  The keypad, which is used to communicate with the control panel, and the control panel itself are generally included in one unit, which mounts on the wall.

Make sure your DIY security system is monitored

A reliable do-it-yourself alarm system provider should have a toll free number to answer your questions.

The FBI releases statistics on crimes, including burglaries.  This is the 2007 information.  It is significant to note the most burglaries occur during the day.  The typical MO is that a burglar will go to a door, usually the front door, and if there is no answer, they will break into the house.  This is done with a “jimmy stick”, or simply kicking the door in.  Actually, it happens quickly, and efficiently.  That is the reason that it is essential to at least, make sure your doors have detection devices.

The statistics are as follows, per the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting site on its website.

Burglary accounted for 22.1 percent of the estimated number of property crimes committed in 2007.

Of all burglaries, 61.1 percent involved forcible entry, 32.4 percent were unlawful entries (without force), and the remainder (6.5 percent) were forcible entry attempts.

In 2007, burglary offenses cost victims an estimated $4.3 billion in lost property; overall, the average dollar loss per burglary offense was $1,991.

Burglary of residential properties accounted for 67.9 percent of all burglary offenses.

Offenses for which time of occurrence was known showed that more residential burglaries (63.6 percent) occurred during the daytime while 56.4 percent of nonresidential burglaries occurred during nighttime hours.