ERMC Security Solutions protects what matters most

The most recent Uniform Crime Report published by the FBI reported that there were more than 8.9 million property crimes committed in 2012.

Thanks to technology and innovative security measures, homeowners don't have to become a part of the burglary statistic. ERMC offers homeowners insight into the mind of a burglar, along with tips for reducing the risk of a burglary.

Most home burglaries can be classified as random opportunistic acts - no planned events. Homeowners can protect against burglary by looking at the weaknesses of their home from a burglar's point of view. Here are a few questions a burglar might ask when deciding on a house to target.

Is anyone home?

The first thing many burglars do is check to see if anyone is home. Sometimes the burglar will simply knock on the front door. If someone answers, he or she may make up an excuse for the disturbance, such as being lost and needing directions. If the knock at the door goes unanswered, the burglar may turn the door know to test for an unlocked or easily accessible door.

Traditional locks aren't always the answer to home protection. On average, burglars will spend no more than 60 seconds on defeating locks to gain entry to a home. To better protect their homes, homeowners should consider upgrading to deadbolts and reinforcing the frame of their front door to make a break-in more strenuous for the burglar.

Is the home equipped with an alarm system?

A recent ground-breaking study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte found that of the convicted burglars interviewed, 60 percent indicated that the presence of an alarm system would cause them to seek an alternate target. Additionally, the Cromwell-Olsen-Avary study revealed that if a potential burglar sees a yard sign or window decal from a credible security company outside of a home, around 75 percent would think twice about going through with an attack. But signs and decals aren't enough to deter a burglar; security systems are the best protection against home burglary.

Will anyone notice?

Burglars tend to target homes that they can get away from easily without detection. For a burglar, an ideal home would be located in a dark, lifeless neighborhood with good hiding places and scape paths, such as overgrown bushes or trees in the yard.

Hiding areas can be eliminated by keeping the landscaping neatly trimmed and using an enhanced security system complete with timed or remotely-controlled lights and surveillance. These sophisticated systems give homeowners the ability to set timers and control various aspects of their homes via a smartphone, tablet or other web-enabled device.

This technology, also known as smart home technology, is in high-demand among homeowners because of its convenient features. With smart home technology, homeowners can control indoor or outdoor lights, lock and unlock doors, arm their security system, and monitor activity within the home through surveillance cameras all via the web. Enhanced home control systems blend elements of security and accessibility to provide homeowners with maximum protection against burglary.

By thinking like a burglar and using enhanced technology to reinforce security at home, homeowners can protect their property and keep their family safe from crime.Thanks to the professionals at ERMC Security Solutions, there is a plethora of options available for both residential and commercial environments to help provide that peace of mind.

"Security solutions is a division of ERMC that offers everything from access control to burglar and fire alarms," explained Terry Higdon, senior vice president of security. "We offer our services here locally and nationally."