Isn’t that what Police are for?
Police are really just an implied threat of consequences. Once a criminal has decided to take the risk of getting caught the police can’t really do anything to prevent the crime. There just simply is not enough of them to patrol everywhere at all times.
The Reality is, the person most responsible for the safety of You, your home and your family, is you. If your home security plans consists of a smoke alarm and a phone with 911 on auto dial, then you need a plan.
First thing to do is consider the factors you will be dealing with.
Public safety agencies be it local, city, state police, sheriff’s departments, are responsible for a great many things in the community. Loss Prevention is just ONE of those things.
Police are responsible for Investigating crimes, catching criminals, crash and fire investigations, beat patrol, enforcing traffic laws, helping disabled motorists, looking for missing and lost children, answering domestic complaints, writing reports, interacting with government and justice officials, testifying in court, attending public meetings, and of course… Loss Prevention on top of all that.
Factors out of Police control Consist of:
The time from when the incident occurs to when its discovered
The time from the incidents discovery to when its reported
How many other crimes have them busy when they get your call
the distance between the scene of the incident and the people who are responding to it.
Combining forces with Police and Firefighters is one of the Best ways to protect your home and family from accidents, fires, and crime.
Block programs, neighborhood Watch groups, Kid-safe havens, drug-free Zones, and other citizen/public official partnerships have made a real difference in controlling crime.
On a Side note they may also increase the real estate value of all homes in your area.
It won’t Happen to Me….
Some quick facts:
There is 1 Police officer and 2 lawyers for every 648 People in the U.S.A.
4000 Americans die each Year from fires while 20,000 are injured.
22% of American Households report some type of burglary
1 in 10 homes get robbed in any given year
Somewhere in the U.S.A a property crime occurs every 3 seconds
Isn’t that Why we have insurance?
Insurance should be though of as an “add on’ to your current Home Security Plan.
A good home security plan can lower your monthly insurance commissions.
For Example, You can save up to 5% by installing deadbolt locks, simple alarms, and smoke detectors. If you combine your home and auto insurance you can save another 5-15%.
The Average Home Insurance Policy Covers:
1. Your Home-The replacement cost not the current market value
2. Other structures on your property like a garage, pool or storm shelter. They are generally covered for up to 10% of your homes value
3. Personal Property – Furniture, TV sets, clothing, etc.
4. Loss of use of home – living expenses if you can’t live in your home due to covered damage
5.Medical costs of guests who experience an accident at your home
6.Protects you from Personal Liability of someone injured while on your property, including some of the costs of your defense if that person sues you.
Insurance cannot replace things like heirlooms, photographs, personal items, and of course loved ones. Even if everyone escapes a tragedy unharmed, you or another family member may never really recover your peace of mind. Nothing beats a good nights sleep, and a good plan gives you just that.