I Live in a Safe Neighborhood; Do I Still Need a Security System?

How Do You Protect Your Home?

No matter what town or city you live in, some neighborhoods just have a better reputation than others. If you happen to be one of the lucky people to reside in a known ‘safe’ neighborhood, do you still need a security system for your home? What about if your neighborhood has a neighborhood watch, or a security patrol? How about if your neighborhood has a safety patrol as well as fences and 24/7 security guards at the gates?

These are questions we get asked often and today we will answer them for you!

What Do You Should Know About Your Neighborhood Security

If your neighborhood has a neighborhood watch, a security patrol, or security guards, more often than not these are ‘governed’ (and paid) through your homeowners association. To find answers and details about your neighborhood’s security, contacting your HOA is the first step we recommend. If you do not have an HOA or neighborhood watch, information about crime rates in your area should be available through your local police department.

From your HOA, you should be able to get details on

• hours of patrol
• where (specific route/streets) the patrols take place
• manpower
• security cameras
• neighborhood/community access restrictions

and more.

Details and stats on previous break-ins (cars and homes), vandalism and other issues should be recorded somewhere in the HOA meeting minutes if they have been discussed. We certainly recommend that your community management company is upfront and forthcoming with details about these issues as information becomes available.

For example, if there was a rash of overnight car break-ins, you’d want to know so you can double check your own vehicles that following night, correct? Does your HOA send out an email blast when this occurs? There has to be a way your HOA communicates with you and your neighbors about safety issues.

So step one is to find out how easy it is to get access to your community and neighborhood and what the crime rate is in your neighborhood.

Your Neighbors’ Security Habits

Next up, ask your direct neighbors about past crimes on your street and in your neighborhood. Especially if you are new to the neighborhood, getting this information is vital to your own security planning. We also recommend you not only ask your neighbors, but also watch their behavior.

• Do garages stay open all day, or do people keep them closed?
• Do your neighbors have dogs?
• Do your neighbors bring their garbage cans back to their house?
• Do your neighbors pick up their mail and newspapers daily?
• Do your neighbors have security company signs in their yards?
• Are there any strangers walking and driving around on your street?
• How many work vans and unmarked vehicles do you see on any given day on your street?

If it sounds and feels like your neighbors feels secure, you need to figure out what makes your own home feel secure to you.

If it sounds and feels like your neighbors don’t feel secure in your neighborhood, you not only need to address your home security, but also your neighborhood security with your HOA or local police department. We encourage you te get involved and be an active participant in your overall security. Protect the ones you love!

A Home Security System Gives You Peace of Mind

Whether you live in a 24/7 guarded neighborhood, or in a high crime neighborhood, break-ins happen, everywhere. To keep you and your loved ones safe, invest in a home security system and you have the peace of mind to know that help is on the way immediately if something were to happen to your home!

Talk to us if you aren’t sure what system to get for your (new) home.

If you are a first time home buyer, check out this Ultimate First-Time Home Owner Security Check List.