Property crimes in the United States happen quite often. It’s estimated that about 1 in 36 households will experience a property crime each year. These crimes include burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. It can affect family life in the United States in five ways.
Family Safety
Many families in the United States expect to live a safe and secure life, but property crimes can damper that expectation. Families may feel unsafe in their homes or communities if they become victims of these crimes.
Financial Struggles
Property crimes often come with financial struggles for families. The country’s average cost of annual crime is around $2 trillion. Many victims may have to spend money replacing stolen items or repairing damages caused by the crime. This can affect a family’s budget and generate stress and difficulty managing finances.
Loss of Property
Not only do property crimes often result in financial struggles, but they also involve the loss of valuable possessions. These possessions could be sentimental or necessary for daily life, making it even more difficult for families to cope with the aftermath of the crime.
Decreased Sense of Security
In addition to feeling physically unsafe, property crimes can also make families feel a decreased sense of security. They may not feel as confident in their safety measures to protect their possessions and themselves. It can lead to constantly worrying about becoming victims again or feeling vulnerable in their homes.
Loss of Trust in Communities
Families may also experience a loss of trust in their communities after experiencing a property crime. They may feel that they can no longer trust their neighbors or rely on the protection provided by local law enforcement. This can affect the overall sense of community and belonging to the family.
Property crimes can significantly negatively impact family life in the United States. Therefore, families need to take precautionary measures to avoid these crimes. Here are some ways you can do that.
Renovate Your Home
If you have a traditional American home, you’re more likely to become a victim of a property crime. Here are some essential things you can do to your home to make it safer against property crimes.
Upgrade Your Entrance
Your home’s entrance should be the very first thing that you secure. Thankfully, there are various ways to do this. First, start with the hinges of your door. You should consider installing a heavy-duty continuous hinge. This kind of hinge is much harder to break into. It’s usually made of thick steel and extends the entire length of your door. Another solution is to add deadbolts or smart locks to your doors for added protection. Lastly, you can reinforce the frame around your front door with a metal strike plate and longer screws. All of these are great ways to secure the entrance of your home.
Secure Your Windows
Another part of your home that requires an extra layer of security is your windows. If a burglar were to try and enter through your windows, make sure they are unable to do so easily by installing window locks or bars. You can also opt for shatterproof glass as an added precaution.
Repair Any Cracks or Holes
Take a walk around your home and check for any cracks or holes that could be entry points for a burglar. Fixing these issues can prevent burglars from taking advantage of weak spots in your home’s exterior.
Invest in an Alarm System
Having a security alarm system is a great way to deter property crimes. Not only will it alert you if there is an intruder, but it also serves as a warning to potential burglars. Here are some essential alarm systems you need for your home:
- Motion detectors
- Camera surveillance
- Glass break detectors
- Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
Install Smart Security Features
In addition to an alarm system, there are various smart security features that you can add to your home. These include smart doorbells with cameras, lights that can be turned on and off remotely, and even smart locks. These devices make your home safer and provide convenience for you and your family.
Stay Vigilant and Aware
In addition to the above measures, families must stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity in your neighborhood and report it to the authorities. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry. By taking these precautions, families can protect themselves against property crimes and their adverse effects on family life.
