Austin is one of the major cities in Texas. It has nearly one million residents, and 27.4 million people visit the city every year. However, is Austin a safe place to live? Do you need a home security system while living in Austin? In this article, we will answer all your questions about home security in Austin.
Is Austin Safe?
Answer: Yes, Austin is a relatively safe place to live.
Austin, Texas, is one of the major cities in Texas. It has a population of 964,254 people, as of 2018. The area is known for music, food, and beautiful lakes. However, how safe are you while living in Austin?
To determine whether or not Austin is safe, we have to look at the crime rates. Crime rates are published annually by the FBI to give residents of the United States an accurate view of the crimes in their area. Crime rates are published as “the number of crimes per 100,000 people.” However, if we are given a crime rate of 200 crimes per 100,000 people, is that safe or dangerous?
We determine the safety (or danger level) of a crime rate by comparing it to the national crime rate. The national crime rate creates a baseline for crime in the United States, meaning that if a crime rate is higher than the national average, the area is more dangerous (and vice versa). The national crime rate is separated into two types of crime, violent crime and property crime.
The national average violent crime rate is 382 violent crimes per 100,000 people. According to the FBI’s published statistics, a person living in the United States has a 1 in 261 chance of experiencing violent crime. The violent crime rates for murder, rape, robbery, and assault can be separated into the following numbers:
- National Murder Rate: 5 murders per 100,000
- National Rape Rate: 43 rapes per 100,000
- National Robbery Rate: 86 robberies per 100,000
- National Assault Rate: 247 assaults per 100,000
The national average property crime rate is 2,362 property crimes per 100,000 people, meaning a person living in the United States has a 1 in 42 chance of experiencing property crime. The property crime rates for burglary, theft, and car theft are:
- National Burglary Rate: 376 burglaries per 100,000
- National Theft Rate: 1,595 thefts per 100,000
- National Car Theft Rate: 229 car thefts per 100,000
We can compare the national crime rates to the crime rates of Austin, Texas. The Austin violent crime rate is 382 violent crimes per 100,000 people. There is a one in 261 chance that a resident living in Austin will experience violent crime. The violent crime rates for murder, rape, robbery, and assault are:
- National Murder Rate: 3.3 murders per 100,000
- National Rape Rate: 81 rapes per 100,000
- National Robbery Rate: 104 robberies per 100,000
- National Assault Rate: 193 assaults per 100,000
The Austin violent crime rate is 0 percent higher than the national average. This would suggest that the violent crime rate is neither safe nor dangerous in Austin. The Austin property crime rate is 3,458 property crimes per 100,000 people. There is a 1 in 28 chance of becoming a victim of property crime. The property crime rate in Austin is 57 percent higher than the national average.
- National Burglary Rate: 467 burglaries per 100,000
- National Theft Rate: 2,729 thefts per 100,000
- National Car Theft Rate: 260 car thefts per 100,000
Overall, the crime in Austin is 49 percent higher than the national average. Austin residents have a 1 in 27 chance of becoming a victim of either property crime or violent crime. So, what does this mean for Austin? Is Austin safe?
Austin is an averagely safe place to live. It is not significantly more dangerous than the recorded national average. Compared to other cities it’s size, Austin is safer than usual. Typically, large cities see more crime. For example, Baltimore’s crime rate (a similarly sized city) is 149 percent higher than the national average. Baltimore’s violent crime rates are 382 percent higher than the national average.
When comparing Austin to similar cities, we find that the crime rate is lower than expected. Austin is not a dangerous place to live. However, it’s also not the safest place to live.
Do You Need Home Security in Austin?
Answer: Yes, all residents of Austin should install a home security system.
Home security experts in Austin highly recommend that homeowners and residents of the Austin area install home security systems in their homes. Home security systems have a variety of benefits and have been proven to deter crime. A study conducted by UNC Charlotte found, “About 60% of the burglars indicated that the presence of an alarm would cause them to seek an alternative target altogether.” By having an alarm in your home, you will decrease your chances of becoming a burglary victim by 60 percent. Additionally, the study discovered, “Most burglars would try to determine if an alarm was present before attempting a burglary. Among those that determined that an alarm was present after initiating a burglary, about half would discontinue the attempt.” This means that of the 40 percent of burglars who continue to burglarize a home with a security system, only 20 percent will continue once the alarms are triggered.
Home security systems are highly effective for a variety of reasons. Here’s why burglars are scared of your alarm system:
1. 24/7 Monitoring
When there is an alarm system installed in a home, a burglar can assume that the security system is monitored. There are two types of monitoring (which we will discuss later), professional and remote monitoring. Both types of monitoring will receive notifications the second an alarm triggers. Meaning that there are eyes on the home every second of the day. Homes that have a home security system installed are more likely to catch the burglar.
2. Immediate Emergency Access
A home security system has direct access to the local police station. This means that when an alarm triggers, and it isn’t immediately dismissed as a false alarm by the resident, the police are sent to the home. This entire process happens in less than a minute. In less than 60 seconds after the alarm is initially triggered, the police are on their way. If the burglar doesn’t leave the house, it’s highly likely that the burglar will be caught. Because of this, only the truly desperate will continue the burglary attempt.
3. Recorded Evidence
Burglars are scared of security cameras. A security camera is a device that records audio and visuals. If there is movement with the camera frame, the camera will begin recording. The camera will continue to record for as long as there is motion within the frame. This recorded evidence is often used in burglary trials and aids the police in identifying the burglar. Because of this, homes that have either indoor or outdoor cameras have more success in catching the criminal.
So, do you need a home security system as an Austin homeowner? Yes. Homeowners who use a home security provider to protect their home have better protection from burglaries, home invasions, and other property crimes.
Austin homeowners have a 1 in 214 chance of becoming a victim of burglary. In Austin, the average burglary costs the resident over $3,000 in lost items, 500 in property damage, and priceless emotional and mental trauma. After a break-in, many people experience trauma. Our homes are meant to be our sanctuaries, and it’s difficult to imagine that a stranger could enter the home with ill intentions and get away with it. Having a home security system in Austin can prevent those living in Austin from experiencing this type of trauma and emotional distress.
A poll conducted by an Idaho news station noted that homes in these circumstances are more likely to be targeted by burglars:
- Empty between the hours of 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm
- Away from other homes
- Blind spots away from the road
- Older window frames and cheap wooden doors
- Large trees and bushes
- Reserved neighbors
The news station also asked the burglars, “If a home alarm system went off, what would you do?” Most of the convicted burglars who responded said that they would leave the area immediately. Burglars don’t want to get caught. They want to break into the home and then leave as quickly as possible. In most cases, the presence of an alarm monitoring system will complicate the escape route. To make the burglary easier, most burglars and home intruders will simply look for an easier target.
Austin residents and homeowners should absolutely consider using a central security system to protect their homes. A central security system will offer better monitoring, surveillance, and protection from those threatening your home’s safety.
What Equipment Do You Need in a Home Security System?
Answer: For effective security, your home security system should include cameras, smart features, motion detectors, door and window sensors, and an alarm panel.
1. Security Camera
Having a security camera can protect your home by broadcasting the fact that your home has monitored surveillance. Video surveillance deters burglars because they recognize the risk of approaching a home with a working surveillance camera.
2. Smart Home Automation
Having smart home automation ensures that every device in the home is connected and can be monitored remotely. The term “home automation” refers to the security equipment in your home as well as smart devices such as Google Home or Amazon Alexa. Typically, smart security equipment can connect wirelessly to these devices, allowing the resident to have better control over their burglar alarm system.
3. Motion Detector
Motion detectors are a must-have for Austin home security. A motion sensor is a small device that can detect movement. Most residential motion sensors use passive infrared motion detection, or PIR motion detection. These sensors can detect infrared radiation, a type of radiation that is naturally emitted from all living things. When the motion sensor detects movement, it triggers a siren meant to startle the intruder.
4. Door and Window Sensor
Door and window sensors are used to protect homes from intruders. According to data, a large percentage of intruders enter the home through the front door. They will either walk right in (because the homeowner didn’t lock the door), knock the door down, or pick the lock. If they aren’t using the front door, intruders will enter the home through a first-floor window, side door, or garage door. All of these entrances are vulnerable because they can be broken down with a few well-placed kicks. Door and window sensors are made to prevent intruders from entering the home. If a door or window is opened when the sensor is in place, the device will trigger a siren. It’s important to know that a door sensor is not a smart lock and is generally considered more efficient than a smart lock.
5. Access Control Panel
The access control panel acts as the control center for your security alarm. Each device is connected to the panel, creating a way to access all devices from one location. From the panel, the resident can arm and disarm their home security alarm and stop false alarms. The access control panel is most effective when the security company gives you a touch panel. Touch panels are more intuitive and easier to use than old fashioned and outdated alarm panels.
Additional features that will benefit your home security system are:
Professional Monitoring Every burglar alarm should be professionally monitored. A professionally monitored alarm means that the alarm company watches over the alarm, monitoring for suspicious activity. If an alarm in the home is triggered, the company will call for help.
Remote Monitoring Remote monitoring means that the resident has remote control over their security system. Remote monitoring is typically done from an app, allowing the resident to watch live camera feeds, silence false alarms, and stay up-to-date with their homes.
Wireless Installation Wireless installation, also known as DIY installation is a simpler way to install a home security system. A wireless system provides the resident with complete security, without compromising the efficiency and quality of the system.
What Is the Best Home Security System in Austin?
Answer: Cove Security is the best alarm system in Austin, Texas.
Residents of Austin who are looking for home security systems might find that there are hundreds of options. How do you pick the right one? Cove Security is confident that it can meet the needs of Austin residents. Here’s why Cove is the best home security system in Austin:
1. Great Reviews
When customers use a home security system, they are able to give the system a review based on their experience. If there was poor customer service and low-quality equipment, the customer could rate the company with a low number. If the customer was surprised by the customer service and quality of the equipment, they could give the system a high rating. Cove’s rating is 4.8 stars out of five stars. Cove is ranked as one of the best home security systems in Austin. With great customer service and quality security equipment, Cove is the best option for those living in the Austin area.
2. Affordable
Cove is one of the most affordable home security services in Texas. Cove understands that every person deserves to feel protected. Your home is the one place where you can feel safe. Because of that, no one should have to pay outrageous prices to protect their home. A Cove security system starts at only $15 a month and includes full professional monitoring. Cove promises to protect your loved ones and your home.
3. No Contracts
No one likes contracts because it forces you to think about the future. Before signing a five-year contract, you have to ask, “Will I still be in this house in five years?” or “Will I still need this monitoring service in five years?” Contracts are difficult because they force us to answer questions that we might not know the answer to. At Cove, customers don’t have to sign a contract. Instead, you can use the system for as long as you want and cancel anytime. This protects you, the customer.
4. Wireless Installation
Cove is a modern alarm system. As a modern alarm system, Cove doesn’t require their customers to pay for the installation of the device. Instead, the customer can install their security system without a professional installation team. The installation of the Cove security system should take less than 15 minutes. Every device is wireless and cellular, making it more efficient, convenient, and flexible for Austin homeowners.
5. Free Trial
Cove is confident in their product. They know that their system will satisfy their customers and that their customers will love feeling safe and protected. Because they are confident in the product, Cove offers a 60-day risk-free trial. This trial allows customers to experience the system before buying it.
Cove is the best option for residents of Austin, Texas.