Is it Time to Install Alarm Systems in Your Rental Properties?
Although you may feel that your rental properties are located in some of the better Las Vegas neighborhoods, there are a number of crime statistics that may convince you to think about installing alarm systems in the near future. The cold hard truth is that a burglary occurs every 18 seconds which equates to 1.7 million per year. The result is an astounding $4 billion dollar loss in property every year.
Profile of the Average Burglar/Burglary
As if this weren’t enough to convince you, think about this fact: More than 50% of the people who plan to burglarize your home live within 2 miles of it!
Here are some more statistics to be aware of regarding the average burglary:
- 2/3 of all burglaries are non-violent in nature
- 56% of all burglars are Caucasian
- 95% of all burglars are male
- Average age of a burglar – 25
- Greatest percentage of all burglaries occur in summer during the daytime when no one is home or are on vacation
- Most common items stolen – cash, firearms, ID’s, jewelry, medications, tech items (e.g. smartphones and tablets)
- Most common motive for burglary – quick cash for scoring drugs
- Tools of the trade include crowbars, hammers, pliers, and screwdrivers
Ironically, the average burglar is an amateur, not a professional. Furthermore, there’s a strong possibility that you’ve seen your future burglar in your neighborhood, yet you had no idea that you were looking at them.
Common Entry Points
Unfortunately, burglaries have become commonplace, especially in densely populated areas like Las Vegas and other large cities. This doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to protect your tenants and their valuables. Knowing the common entry points is a great way to determine what you need to do in order to keep that burglar out of your home. The following areas should be secured:
- back doors
- first floor windows
- front doors
- sliding glass doors
Having an alarm system installed is a great way to not only protect your tenants and their belongings, but it may deter burglars from even setting foot on your property.
7 Mistakes to Avoid
In most cases, burglaries occur because property owners and tenants alike make one or more of these 7 mistakes:
- Broken or non-functioning alarm systems
- Flaunting your valuables
- Hiding an entry key
- Installing cheap locks
- Leaving your rental property vacant for too long
- Not having your mailbox emptied while no one is home
- Sharing your location on social media
Why risk becoming a statistic. Sit down with your property management company and discuss improving the security of your rental homes today. If you haven’t hired one yet, sit down with your tenants and discuss these matters. It is important to ensure security on all your properties and start with the basics so that the tenants feel secure.
Make the “SMART” Choice with Southwestern Management And Realty Team
