Most homeowners will agree about the importance of home security for preventing crimes such as burglary and home invasion. However, not everybody approaches their home security in the same way.
Unfortunately, many people have false notions about what will protect them based on myths that have been long debunked. At PROTECTION PLUS, we have seen these myths continue to recirculate for decades. And no matter how often they’re debunked, they return.
In this post, we dispel 4 of the most common myths to explain why they’re ineffective (and which security measures work instead).
Myth #1: Your dog will protect you.
There’s some partial truth to this myth: a barking dog may indeed deter some intruders. But how do you know your dog will bark at all? Can you guarantee your dog will hear an intruder who enters through the basement or another part of your home? Additionally, do you want to place the safety and well-being of your family entirely in the “hands” of your pet?
Finally, don’t make the mistake of assuming your dog will protect you from a violent criminal. You can’t predict what will happen when an intruder is armed and dangerous. That’s why it’s important to have a monitored home security system that alerts you (and the monitoring center dispatchers) to the first sign of danger.
Myth #2: Burglars only strike at night.
This is not true. 80% of break-ins occur during daylight hours, according to figures from insurance experts at SGI Canada. So if you’re only locking your doors and windows at night, you’re leaving yourself at risk.
Burglars target homes that look unoccupied during the day when residents are at work, school or on vacation. This gives them much better visibility when entering a home. Plus, it enables them to use numerous lies to explain their suspicious behaviour if someone questions them.
Be sure to keep your home fully secured during the day. Consider installing an alarm system with security cameras to deter burglars and alert you to any activity at your home.
Myth #3: Nice neighbourhoods have less crime.
Don’t conflate low crime rates with low risk. You may live in a desirable area with lower crime rates than other neighbourhoods. But that doesn’t mean your home won’t be the next target.
One reason why this myth is so dangerous is that it creates a false sense of security. Homeowners who assume “it won’t happen here” become laxer about their security, leaving their doors unlocked and windows open. But that’s exactly what criminals are looking for.
All it takes is one of those security missteps for an intruder to exploit and gain access to your home. This is why every homeowner needs to be vigilant about their home security, regardless of their local crime rates.
Myth #4: If my alarm system is triggered, the police will come automatically.
Not always. Police in Toronto and surrounding jurisdictions require verifying alarms before responding. This is why it’s important to install a system with security cameras that can be used to confirm a crime in progress so that police response is prioritized.
With ALARM‑i, for example, video verification is built into the system. Every alarm event is captured on camera so dispatchers can quickly alert the authorities (with footage to verify the crime).
Is your home security adequate?
Don’t leave your home security to guesswork. Request a no-obligation security audit from PROTECTION PLUS to determine if your home has vulnerabilities that must be addressed.
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Mike Wedmann
Mike Wedmann is an experienced Security Industry Professional with over 25 years experience as a Security Integrator and Project Manager. Mike has been with Protection Plus Inc. for over 20 years. Mike has lived in the greater Toronto area for over 25 years with his wife, 2 kids and a dog named Bart. He has an educational background in Communications and writing. Mike is a published author that writes about his experiences on various topics, including his experience as a parent. Primarily Mike writes about Security Industry products and Security Solutions that benefit consumers.
Deion was awesome!!!!! He did the job right and very knowledgeable. He's polite and wonderful. Got the job done in under an 2 hours.
Brian Prosserman
2024-04-13
Quite simply, I trust Protection Plus. They just delivered another quality job at a great price with their terrific service. Thank-you!
Two years later and I just had a repeat experience with Protection Plus; they are real professionals. I cannot put a price knowing they are always there for my security needs. Thank you!
Elisha Mandel
2024-04-12
Patrick did a great job, with a smile and patience! thank you!
Luigi Lopardo
2024-04-03
Deion was my installer of my home alarm system. He provided great service and was very knowledgeable. Exceptional service from Protection Plus
Francesco Mirabelli
2024-04-03
Steve did a fantastic job was very professional and guided me through everything great job steve thank you
Andrew Brown
2024-03-28
Just used Protection Plus again on a second property. Deion was great...very professional, prompt and friendly. He explained everything well and was very helpful. Really impressed with this company and their level of service. I highly recommend them...for the second time!
Frank Aylward
2024-03-27
Dion and John did a fantastic job installing our cameras and great lesson on how to use them.
We highly recommend them for any work you may need.
True gentlemen that is rarely seen.
Michael Jolliffe
2024-03-22
Excellent service from Deion of Home Protection Plus. He arrived early and fixed everything. Thanks again!
Padraig Warde
2024-03-20
Deion and Brian were excellent - very clear instructions and exceptionally please