Where Burglars Enter a House...
One survey in Pennsylvania showed that 81 percent of residential intrusions occur through the first floor. 34 percent of burglars entered through the front door;23 percent through a first-floor window; 22 percent through the back door; 9 percent through the garage; 4 percent entered through a basement;4 percent through an unlocked entrance; 2 percent through a storage area;and only 2 percent entered anywhere on the second floor. A study in Connecticut showed that 12 percent of burglaries occurred through an UNLOCKED door and that in 41 percent of alarmed homes that were burglarized, the security system was not turned on.
Source: Simon Hakim, Temple University, 215-204-7476

Police Believe Security Systems Reduce Burglaries...
90 percent of police believe alarms deter burglary attempts.
Source: STAT Resources, Inc., Boston, Mass., 617-734-2000

In 1994, the International Association of Chiefs of Police passed a Board Resolution stating that professionally installed and monitored alarm systems are useful instruments to deter crime and provide peace of mind for residential and business owners. The organization also pledged to work with the alarm industry to help reduce the problem of false alarms.
Source: International Assoc. of Chiefs of Police, Alexandria, Va., 703-836-6767

People Feel Safe with Security Systems...
94 percent of alarm owners are satisfied with their alarm systems.
Source: Simon Hakim, Temple University, 215-204-7476

Burglar Bars Can Kill...
From 1985 to 1991, an average of 16 people died each year due to burglar bars blocking their exits from burning homes or buildings.
Source: Learn Not To Burn Foundation, Quincy, Mass., 617-770-3000

Residential Fires are Expensive and Deadly...
About 85% of all U.S. fire deaths occur in the home.In 2000, residential fires resulted in over $5 billion in property losses.
Source: National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Mass., 617-984-7274

Fires are Linked to Products...
In 2000, smoking materials were the leading cause of roughly ¼ of all civilian deaths.
Source: National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Mass., 617-984-7274

In 1997, children playing with fire (typically lighters and matches) started 16,970 residential, 3,120 business, 850 car and 44,130 other residential structure and outdoor fires. This resulted in 284 civilian deaths, 2,158 civilian injuries, and more than $283.3 million in direct property damage, mostly from home fires.
Source: Children Playing with Fire, National Fire Protection Association, January 2000, Quincy, Mass., 617-984-7274

Arson Statistics

A total of 76,045 arson offenses were reported in 1999. Structures are the most frequent targets of arsonists, comprising 45 percent of the reported incidents in 1999. Residential property was involved in 61 percent of the structural arsons during the year, while 43 percent of the arsons were directed at single-family dwellings.

In 1999, the monetary value of property damaged due to reported arson averaged $10,882 per offense.