According to the FBI, the average victim of burglary in 2013 lost property valued at $2,322. This statistic alone is enough to convince many homeowners to invest in a home security system that will monitor for break-ins. However, if the average of $30 a month seems like a high price tag on protecting your possessions, consider the following question: How much is peace of mind worth?
The following 10 burglary statistics originate from reports published by the FBI, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, and UNC at Charlotte's Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology. While reading the following facts, keep in mind that 60% of burglars indicated that the presence of an alarm would have caused them to seek an alternative target.
1. When burglars were asked if they had gathered information on a target before committing the crime, 41% suggested it was a “spur-of-the-moment” decision.
2. About 20% of burglars reported that they cut telephone or alarm wires before committing a crime. (It should be noted that many home security providers offer wireless systems.)
3. Roughly 15% of burglars reported that they had been charged with homicide or assault at some point in the past.
4. 51% of burglars reported that their main reason for committing burglaries was to acquire drugs.
5. Nearly 60% of burglaries involved forcible entry into a building.
6. From 1994 to 2011, only 10% of reported burglaries resulted in arrest.
7. Between 2003 and 2007, a household member was present during approximately 1 million burglaries.
8. Of the 1 million burglaries in which a household member was home between 2003 and 2007, 266,560 resulted in the member becoming a victim of violent crime.
9. Households with single females and children had the highest rates of burglary while someone was present. (2003-2007)
10. Household members were at work during approximately 25% of burglaries that took place while no one was home. (2003-2007)
