What do You Need to Know About Security in New Orleans?
New Orleans can be a fantastic place to live. Some of the buildings are from as far back as the 1800s, there are huge celebrations like Mardi Gras and plenty to see and do the rest of the year. Though all of this does make for a great home city, residents will want to be wary about the crime that can occur. Proper precautions can help residents protect themselves from theft and other property crimes, reducing the chance they’ll become a victim.
The Stats on Property Crimes
In the last year, there were more than 18,000 property crimes reported in New Orleans. This includes approximately 2,000 burglaries, 13,000 thefts, and 3,000 motor vehicle thefts. As a result, one in 21 New Orleans residents are the victim of a property crime each year. The good news is, however, that property crimes have decreased according to the statistics for this year so far. Right now, property crime is around 13% lower than it was last year. Still, this doesn’t mean residents should put off making their homes more secure.
Who Should Have a Security System?
The top way to boost the security of a home is to install a security system. These systems can fit a range of budgets, depending on your needs, and can have accessories added on later to boost the system further as your needs grow. The two main options for security systems are monitored or unmonitored. Monitored systems are watched by a company and, if an alarm sounds, the company can send emergency services to your home. With an unmonitored alarm system, you would be the one alerted if the alarm goes off, if the system offers alerts. If you are alerted, you would need to call emergency services on your own. Monitored systems do require a monthly fee for the monitoring, but this may be worth the cost.
What to Look for in a Security System
Along with determining if you’d like a monitored or unmonitored system, it’s important to think about what you want the system to do. A basic system just includes alarms for the doors. If someone breaks in through a window, there won’t be an alert. Add-ons that are commonly available include ones that alert if the window is opened, ones for if a window is broken, and ones for if there is any motion inside the home. There are also, depending on the system, add-ons that can alert you to water in the home, as well as cameras that can be installed and set up to capture any video if an alarm goes off.
Though you may love living in New Orleans, it is important to be aware of the potential for property crimes to happen. You have the possibility of being a victim, even if you’re careful. One of the ways to help prevent this, however, is to install a security system to help watch over your home whenever you’re away, or you’re asleep.
