| Home security systems offer peace of mind that’s difficult to obtain otherwise. Yet, many people aren’t going to consider one for their home because they don’t realize what their chances of being a property victim are and they believe their home is going to be safe. There are also other ways to protect a home when the homeowner can’t be around that they might want to consider. By looking into the crime rates in their area and considering all the steps they can take to protect their home, a person can determine whether a security system is a good investment for their home. About the City and the Residents Huntington Park is home to around 58,000 people according to the 2010 census, up from the mere 1,299 a century before. It was named for Henry E. Huntington, and incorporated in 1906 as a city for those who worked in downtown Los Angeles. The city has grown quite a bit in the years since the incorporation and is predicted to continue growing. Despite the large number of people living in the city, it’s only about 3 square miles altogether. Crime Rate in the City Overall, Huntington Park has a crime index of 10, meaning it’s safer than only 10% of the cities in the United States. A person living here has a one in 29 chance of being the victim of a property crime, which includes burglary, theft, and motor vehicle thefts. This is higher than the average in California, which is one in 38. A person who lives in certain areas is going to have a higher chance of being the victim of a property crime and there are some areas with much lower chances within the city. Location Determines Higher Chance of Crimes There are a few different points to look at when a person is determining the safety of their own neighborhood. The overall safety of the city can be a good indicator of their chance of being the victim of a crime but there are other aspects of where a person lives that might increase their safety. Those who live closer to the police station might experience lower crime in their neighborhood because of how fast the police response time is. Additionally, those who live in certain areas within the city might be living in safer neighborhoods. The southwest quarter of the city seems to be far safer, with the center of the city and the northwest area having more crime. Make Sure the Home is Secured No matter where a person lives in the city, locking windows and doors are essential. If the homeowner cannot properly lock their doors with a deadbolt or the windows do not lock at all, it’s important for them to have this fixed right away. They should also ensure they remove items that block the view of the windows and doors. This includes shrubs that might be placed along the front of the home as anything that blocks the view of the door or the bottom of the windows gives thieves a chance to break in without being seen. Consider a Neighborhood Watch Program Once the homeowner knows their home is secured, they might want to find out if there’s a neighborhood watch program for their neighborhood. If there is, it’s a great chance for them to get to know their neighbors and become more involved in the program. This type of program means that all of the neighbors are watching out for each other and ready to contact the police if they notice anything suspicious. Many neighborhoods see a significant decrease in crime once a neighborhood watch is in effect. For this reason, if the person finds out there isn’t one in their neighborhood, it’s a good idea for them to learn how to start one by speaking with their local police department. Purchase a Security Camera for Ease of Mind Those who have taken all of the steps above might still want to lessen their chance of becoming the victim of a property crime. One of the best ways to do this is to invest in a security system for the home. There are quite a few benefits for doing this. Police are notified of a potential burglary faster and can respond faster, which means they might be able to catch the person in the act.Many burglars will turn away once they notice signs of a security system in the home, meaning it’s less likely they’ll try to enter the home and less likely they’ll remove anything from the home before they leave.Security systems with cameras can capture footage the police can use to capture the thief and the insurance company can use to replace the stolen belongings if necessary. A homeowner can look around at the various systems near them to purchase the right one for their home. They can choose from monitored, self-monitored, DIY, pre-made kits, and more. It’s often a good idea to choose a system with cameras to ensure there is video footage that can be used to capture a thief who tries to enter their home but simply having a security system is going to be advantageous. Take the time to get to know the crime rate in your neighborhood, not just Huntington Park in general, and use this and the tips above to ensure your home is secure. While it might not be something you’ve really given a lot of thought to in the past, it might be a good idea to take steps to fully secure your home and to install a home security system for the added protection. |
