How many times have you heard about residential crimes, only to fall into the trap of believing they never occur in your neighborhood? It’s easy to do, until we become that person interviewed on the evening news after a crime occurs. No one is completely safe, not even in Texas. Visit: http://www.monitronics.com/locations/tx

1. www.Monitronics.com
Crime Statistics: Why You Need Home Security in Texas
How many times have you heard about residential crimes, only to fall into the trap of believing they never occur in your
neighborhood? It’s easy to do, until we become that person interviewed on the evening news after a crime occurs.
No one is completely safe, not even in Texas. Despite the Lone Star State’s reputation for being tough on crime, the
criminal element is still alive and well.
Texas had 205,002 burglaries in 2012 and 190,898 in 2013, a decrease of roughly 7 percent. Property crimes – which
include burglaries, larceny theft, motor vehicle theft and arson – totaled 876,459 in 2012 and 861,734 in 2013. Violent
crimes – murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery and aggravated assault – totaled 106,476 in 2012, and fell slightly to
105,735 in 2013.
As you can see, crime rates are falling in Texas. That is the good news. However, it’s still necessary to take action that
will help prevent crime from occurring. We believe one of the most important steps you can take is to install a home
security system with 24-hour monitoring from Monitronics. Our network of authorized dealers provides state-of-the-art
security with top-of-the-line equipment, and Monitronics keeps an eye on your property with our remote monitoring
service. We monitor client properties around the clock, 365 days a year.
Strategies for Preventing Crime
A home security system is a great tool for fighting crime because it acts as both a deterrent and a means of facilitating a
quick response in the event that crime does occur. While a home security system is very important, it’s not your only
means of protection. It’s just part of a broader home security strategy that looks at safety from every angle.
Below are some additional strategies that you can employ for preventing crime on your property:
 Doors and windows – The preferred point of entry for burglars is a first-floor window or door. These should be
kept closed and locked at all times, even if you are home. If leaving your windows closed might make your house
too hot, you can purchase window locks that will allow them to be opened just enough to let in a breeze in but
not enough a burglar.
 Street visibility – Burglars look for features on your property that could obscure their activity from view at the
street. Give criminals fewer opportunities to hide their activity by keeping your shrubs trimmed and your yard
free of clutter. Motion-detecting lights around your property are also a good idea.

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 Shrubbery choices – Protect your windows by planting shrubs that grow out to be full and that include thorns or
other features that would make them painful to work in and around.
 Privacy – You increase the chances of becoming a crime victim if you do not maintain your privacy. Be careful
what you post on social media, keep blinds or drapes closed, and ask a friend or neighbor to watch your property
when you are away.
Working with your neighbors is actually a very effective strategy in other ways. By getting together and agreeing to keep
an eye on one another’s properties, you and your neighbors can established a unified front against those who would try
to take advantage of you. As more people keep a watchful eye, the neighborhood will be safer.
Sources:
1. Monitronics - http://www.monitronics.com/locations/tx
2. FBI - http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2013/crime-in-the-u.s.-
2013/tables/4tabledatadecoverviewpdf/table_4_crime_in_the_united_states_by_region_geographic_division_a
nd_state_2012-2013.xls