| Auburn with a population of over 62,000 is the largest city in eastern Alabama. This city started as a village of Creek Indians in antiquity but was settled by American settlers in 1836. They were led by Judge Harper who wanted to start a town based on religion and education. Auburn has remained an educational center throughout its history with many schools at all levels including Auburn University and others. Auburn’s history is very eventful including surviving the civil war and having the whole downtown gutted by fires in the 1860s and 1870s. The town recovered and grew into the impressive city it is today. This college town has other attributes to draw people to it. This city is very accessible because of its location near major highways and several airports located in or near it. This city is also near Atlanta and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International airport. It is also near the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. Both airports are within a two-hour drive. There are several taxi services and a well-developed bus line. This city is also very bicycle-friendly and has several bike related events every year. Auburn also has many museums and other cultural venues to attend. It also has a healthy sports culture with college football and basketball teams and 6 golf courses. Auburn Crime Statistics Auburn has a crime rate that is 18% lower than the rest of Alabama and 1% lower than the United States national average. The violent crime rate for Auburn is 42% lower than the national average and its property crime rate is 5% higher than the national average. A person’s chances of being the victim of a violent crime are 1 in 463 and the chances of being the victim of a property crime are 1 in 39. The residents of this city are safer than those in 21% of similar cities in the whole United States. This is one of the few cities where crime has actually decreased in recent years. Crime has decreased by 5%. Because this city has a relatively low crime rate it has fewer police officers than the average Alabama town at 115 or 1.82 police per 1,000 residents. The average for Alabama is 2.27 police per 1,000 population. It is really not much of a difference. Staying Safe In Auburn Even relatively safe cities such as Auburn have some crimes to avoid. People who are looking for a home to purchase may want to go online to sites that list city-wide and neighborhood crime statistics. The home-buyer can also contact the police department to find out where the nearest police station is to the property and how long the average response time is. They can also find out what crimes are the biggest problem. Existing residents of auburn can look for the same information to assess their neighborhood’s safety and the need to take additional security steps. Even in safe cities, many residents want to feel more secure. The first step to added security is to secure all the doors and windows in the home with strong locks on doors and latches and screens on windows. Is the back yard fenced? Is there a lock on the gate in the fence? It has been found that 30% of criminals enter homes through unsecured doors and windows. Having good locks is a start but the family members must all be sure to lock doors and secure windows.That lovable family dog can protect the home with only its bark. A furiously barking dog has scared many a home invader away. It is easier to break into a home with no dog present.A clean yard and well-trimmed shrubs and trees offer another layer of security. The idea is to eliminate places for a thief to hide.Good outdoor lighting that is motion activated as well as by a light switch inside helps with home security. Hear a noise? Is the dog barking? Turn on the exterior lights to check out the front and back yards for problems.Being acquainted with the neighbors is a good security measure that does not cost anything. Joining the neighborhood watch committee can also help keep the whole neighborhood safer.Security systems are great for protecting homes and recording the criminals for later prosecution. Some security cameras are as cheap as $50.00 each. Security Systems And Companies There are many families who need additional security and can afford to purchase it. There are many people who are in the public eye or have careers that leave them vulnerable. Some people have great wealth or extensive collections of valuable items such as coins, stamps, or weapons that they want to protect. People who live alone or are home bound often choose to have home security systems that have features such as panic buttons for health emergencies. Whatever the reason for added security, it is important to purchase high-quality equipment from reliable sources. This equipment must be properly installed and operated. Some people feel able to purchase and install their own security systems and also monitor them with a smartphone or a computer. There are many homeowner installed security systems available. There are also nationally known security companies who install and monitor security systems for homeowners. Some National companies include: Front Point: This company offers wireless security systems that are difficult to tamper with. The customer will receive texts or e-mail alarms.Vivint: They have the Smart Protect System with high-tech equipment and 365-day monitoring services.Protect America: Offers 100% wireless security systems that use the cellular network. This system has window and door sensors, motion detectors, cameras, and panic buttons.ADT: This is the largest security company in America with many security packages available.SimpliSafe: Also offers 100% wireless security packages and has an option where the homeowner installs the system and then the company monitors it. There are many levels of systems to sign up for at different price points and with different extra features available. For more information, visit the website. |
