Do I Need a Home Security System?
About less than 40% of home owners have a home security systems. This leaves 60% of the US population relying on their locked doors and windows to help keep them safe. As technology continues to evolve, we now have the options to have home security in our home for a lower price than ever before and increase this percentage to have home security available to more homes.
It may be difficult to assess if you need home security and which system will ultimately work better for you. Even if you have never been around the need for a security system, never been robbed or gotten anything stolen, doesn’t mean you do not need a wireless outdoor camera or a wireless video doorbell to protect your home. Unfortunately, many people do not expect to be the victim to a burglary until it happens to them. Statistics show more often than not, a burglar happens because the home owner did not have home security set up and was unaware someone was on their property.
Here are some home security statistics:
- 66% of the 2.5 million burglaries annually in the US – are home invasions
- Homes that do not have a security system in place are 300% more likely to be broken into and invaded
- 83% of burglars check for the presence of an alarm or outdoor camera before attempting to break in.
- Approximately over 4500 home burglaries happen each day in the United States
Read more home security statistics on our burglary statistics blog.
Why do we need home security?
Other than protecting your home, home security systems, which include outdoor security cameras and doorbell cameras, have many benefits. Even if you do not experience a burglary in your life, having a security system helps you stay in tune with your home and provides a greater peace of mind knowing your home and loved ones are safe and secure.
Pros to a Home Security System
Safety
A home security system is a strongly effective way to stay connected to your home every time you are away to ensure everything is safe. While it may be reinforced into your head to lock the doors and windows every time you leave the house, there are many other factors that contribute to a burglary. Since we are human, there may be a few times you weren’t as diligent on locking up the house that could lead to a home invasion. A study found that 34% of burglars enter through the front door, making it the most popular way that burglars break in and it even more apparent, that relying on locks isn't always smart.
Having a wireless outdoor camera or a wireless video doorbell at your front door, can let you know when someone is approaching your home with a notification to your phone so you are able to see them in real time to act quickly. Choosing a home security camera that allows you to have access remotely on your smart-phone, like Toucan Smart Home, is extremely helpful so even if you are far away from home, you can still be connected in case something happens.
Discounts on home insurance
Not only is having an outdoor security camera helpful for your family safety, it is also helpful for your wallet! Having a security system can give you a discount with your general home security as you have a second system helping you protect your home. This is a great indicator that other businesses rely on home security systems for safety to give you the confidence to invest in a system that can protect your home.
Keep an eye on your family and loved ones
Another big incentive to get a wireless outdoor camera is that you can stay connected to your family and know they are safe. Whether you want to see when your teenagers come home late at night, when your spouse or roommates pull into the driveway, or seeing your kid walk home from school - having a security system can help ease your mind in a handful of ways.
The use of outdoor cameras can range from safety to fun when it comes to the home.
- Knowing when the gardeners come by
- Seeing your spouse come home from work
- Being able to watch your kids come home safety
- Seeing your neighbors walk by or communicate with them if they come on the porch and you are not home
- Catching an animal sneaking around your backyard or garden
And many more!
Watching deliveries come to your house
Video doorbells are popular more than ever with the increase in online shopping. The increase in package deliveries and online shopping has unfortunately resulted in a surge of porch pirates. Without getting up and going to the door, wireless video doorbells allow you to view on your Live Feed of the Toucan Smart Home app and get notified when you are receiving your Postmates/Uber Eats, your latest impulse Amazon purchase or your groceries. This allows for a contact-free way to talk to your delivery person through two-way talk and gives you the peace of mind that you are able to track the delivery until it comes to your door.
Some video doorbells, like the Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell, are 180 degree field of view, which allows you to see the package on the ground right next to your door. If you are not home at the time of the delivery, you can check the Toucan Smart Home and keep an eye on the package, even if its directly under the camera.
Package theft has become a serious issue in the last 2 years. We have a list of statistics and how to prevent package theft on our blog for the best tips!
Cons to a Home Security System
Cost of equipment
Depending on the kind of security cameras you are installing on your home, there are many factors to look into that can affect how much you are going to pay for the device.
- Do you want this to be a wired security camera/video doorbell?
- Do you want the cameras to be connected to a smart home and have local storage?
- Would you be willing to pay a monthly/yearly fee for additional features?
Many customers do not like the idea of paying a monthly fee for additional features so it's a good idea to check this page on the security camera company's website to see what you would need to pay.
With Toucan Shield Plans with the Toucan Wireless Outdoor Camera and Wireless Video Doorbell, most of the essential features you would need to pay additional fees for, are on our Basic plan for no cost! Our Pro Plan being on $2.99 a month has become a favorite in the Toucan family as well. Check out the features to see if this would fit for your home.
As security cameras are becoming more popular, we are seeing a range in pricing on these devices as well. Typically a security camera can be about $100-$200 depending on what kind of outdoor camera or doorbell camera you are looking for.
If you're looking for a more budget friendly option, the Toucan Wireless Outdoor Camera and Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell comes with all the essential features you need for $109.95 and $119.95, respectively.
Having a peace of mind and feeling safe in your home should be essential. It's never wrong to be safe than sorry when you're considering further measures to protect your home. If you're interested in more information about home security and what you can do, check out the rest of the Toucan blog for additional tips on your home.