How to use neighborhood crime statistics for home security planning.
AAA Smart Home Security
No one wants to become part of a national crime stat. Unfortunately, more than 472,753 residential property crimes (including burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft) were committed in 2023, according to the FBI’s annual crime report. That same year, the average value of property stolen from homes in robberies and burglaries was $40,268. Only a small fraction of the total property stolenwas ever recovered.
The good news? You can proactively protect yourself and your property against crime with the right home security devices — a powerful deterrent to crooks of all kinds. But home security isn’t just about installing sensors and cameras. The real key is to go beyond the national crime rates and uncover the specific patterns happening in your area. Armed with a more accurate picture of the risks you face, you can devise a personally tailored home security plan that will provide the best protection for you and your family — and turn those scary stats into actionable steps.
Starter Tip: Keep in mind that all new wireless security devices can be seamlessly integrated through a central security system, whether you choose to monitor it yourself on your smartphone or hire a professional to be your 24/7 watchdog.
How can I view how much crime a neighborhood has?
The frequency of different types of property crime varies by location. Thankfully, in today’s digital age, accessing neighborhood crime information is easier than ever, though it’s important to choose your sources wisely. Steer clear of potentially biased hearsay on local social media sites and instead get started with a little fact-based sleuthing on the following three websites:
- FBI Crime Explorer: If you want the official numbers straight from the source, this is the place to go. The site provides detailed data on different types of crime at the national, state, and local level, and it allows you to filter by location and time frame. The platform is especially useful for those who want an overview of crime trends over the years. It can be a bit of a rabbit hole, but it’s reliable and thorough. However, keep in mind that the data might not be as current as other resources.
- SpotCrime: Want to know what crimes are happening right now? Try this quick, user-friendly crime-mapping website. It pulls together police reports, news stories, and even user tips to map out recent incidents. You can search by your address or neighborhood and see detailed information about crimes like theft, burglary, and vandalism. The interactive map makes it easy to see crime clusters in your area, and you can set up email alerts to stay informed about recent incidents. It’s not quite as in-depth as the FBI site, but it’s much easier to use and provides more timely information.
- LexisNexis® Community Crime Map: This map is also excellent tool for those who want to keep a close watch on the latest crime activity in their neighborhood — and dig a little deeper than just surface-level info with charts and graphs. The map sources crime data directly from local law enforcement agencies, and offers more granular filters that let you narrow down by crime type, date range, and even the specific block. Similar to SpotCrime, you can also set up alerts to monitor activity in your area.
How to plan a home security system based on type of crime
A one-size-fits-all approach to home security rarely suffices. Now that you have a better understanding of the crime landscape in your neighborhood, it’s time to strategize. Let’s explore how to customize your system to address three specific threats: car break-ins, mail theft, and house break-ins.
Car Break-Ins and Thefts
Nationally, residential car thefts rose by 15% from 2022 to 2023, according to recent FBI statistics. This trend goes against the overall decline in violent crime, making car thefts a top concern for many folks. In 2023 alone, over 1 million vehicles were stolen across the U.S., with California leading the pack with over 208,668 reported thefts. The ease with which thieves can shatter windows and grab valuables makes car break-ins a lucrative crime too, costing Americans around $8 billion annually.
Car break-ins and thefts are a major headache, but your vehicle doesn’t have to be a sitting duck at home. With a few smart home security strategies and the right tech, you can keep thieves at bay.
- Motion-Sensor Exterior Lights
Mail Theft
With the surge in online shopping, our doorsteps and mailboxes have unfortunately become prime targets for thieves too. In 2023 alone, an estimated 260 million packages disappeared from porches across the U.S., while reports of high-volume mailbox theft increased by a staggering 87% between 2019 and 2022. All this package theft cost Americans roughly $6 billion in 2023, a 5% increase from the previous year. These losses can be costly to our health as well when medications and other essential items are involved.
As porch pirates and mailbox burglars become bolder, it’s essential to take steps to protect your deliveries from opportunistic thieves. Luckily, well-placed cameras can help ward off thefts.
Since not all mail comes straight to your door, it’s also a good idea to install a security camera that faces your mailbox to record any suspicious activity and provide valuable evidence if theft occurs. And similar to our tip on mitigating the impact of a car break-in, aim a camera at the street to capture the get-away car’s license plate.
House Break-Ins
Residential burglaries, while less common than other property crimes, still pose a significant threat. Nearly 1,220 occurred every day in 2023.. Fortunately, there are a number of smart devices you can use to enhance your home’s security and protect against intruders, including indoor cameras, smart locks, sirens, and glass break sensors. Here’s what to deploy and how to use these technologies effectively:
- Indoor and Outdoor Sirens
Turning Statistics Into Security: A Proactive Approach to Home Protection
Taking the time to understand your neighborhood’s crime statistics and tailoring your home security system to your specific needs can make all the difference in protecting what matters most. By combining smart locks, cameras, sensors, and other targeted security devices, you’re not only creating a powerful defense against potential threats but also gaining peace of mind that your home is secure. Remember, security is an ongoing process, so regularly review and update your measures as needed to stay ahead of evolving risks.
Ready to take the next step toward a safer home? Explore AAA’s comprehensive selection of smart home security solutions and find the perfect fit for your needs.