In 2021, more than 400,000 burglaries were reported at residential homes, with the average loss from a residential burglary being $7,937. 

A study from UNC Charlotte found that when selecting a target, most burglars said they considered signs of increased security – including outdoor cameras or other surveillance equipment. The study also found that approximately 83 percent said they would try to determine if an alarm was present before attempting a burglary, and 60 percent said they would seek an alternative target if there was an alarm on-site.

These figures serve as a reminder of the importance of implementing effective security measures to protect your home and those inside.

While individual home security systems play a vital role in keeping your home safe, neighborhood-wide security provides an additional layer of protection and evidence – in the unfortunate event that you need it. 

Safety is often achieved with a layered approach. Take safe driving for example – abiding by posted speed limits, buckling your seatbelt, and removing distractions all play a role in keeping you and others safer on the road. By exploring the benefits of both individual and neighborhood-wide security measures, you can establish a comprehensive approach to create a safer community.

Step 1: Individual Home Security 

Protecting and securing your home can include many options. From doorbell cameras to sirens to cameras, there are a plethora of options that offer significant benefits for homeowners. 

Doorbell cameras provide a sense of control and convenience by allowing homeowners to monitor their property remotely and receive real-time notifications when someone approaches their door. This technology can also act as a visual deterrent to potential intruders or package theft, as they become aware that their actions are being recorded. 

Additionally, alarm systems with sirens can serve as a vital warning mechanism, instantly alerting homeowners and neighbors of any unauthorized entry attempts, deterring potential burglars and providing a higher level of security. Plus, many modern systems offer 24/7 monitoring by professionals who can quickly alert local law enforcement to active threats.

Individual home monitoring cameras further enhance security by capturing footage that can be used as evidence in the event of a crime, assisting law enforcement in their investigations and increasing the chances of identifying suspects. 

Ultimately, these individual home security measures empower you with a greater sense of protection and peace of mind whether you’re home or away.

Step 2: Neighborhood-Wide Security 

Neighborhood-wide security options, such as gated entrances, security personnel, and license-plate reading (LPR) cameras, offer numerous benefits for the entire community.

Gated entrances provide controlled access, restricting entry to authorized individuals only. This helps deter criminals, while also creating a sense of privacy within the neighborhood.

Security personnel in the neighborhood can act as a visible presence, actively monitoring and patrolling the area to prevent crime and respond quickly if an incident does occur.

Finally, license plate reading (LPR) cameras are an effective option for neighborhood-wide security, as these cameras capture vehicle details and license plate information of all vehicles entering and exiting the area. Vehicle information is crucial when it comes to investigating crime. Plus, some systems, such as Flock Safety Sparrow LPR cameras, can automatically share information with local law enforcement, sending alerts if a vehicle flagged for criminal activity enters the neighborhood.

Overall, taking neighborhood-wide security measures can lead to improved property values and a greater overall sense of community safety and well-being for everyone.

Step 3: Layering The Benefits of Personal and Neighborhood Security

While personal and community security both have their own merits, the layered effect amplifies the benefits of both. Neighborhood-wide security acts as the first line of defense, making it more difficult for criminals to target the community; while individual security systems safeguard your home and capture additional details when it’s most important. Plus, the combination gives the neighborhood a chance to partner together. From proactively starting a neighborhood watch group or starting a conversation at your next HOA meeting, a shared interest in community safety is a powerful force for deterring crime.

One example of the effectiveness of adopting a layered approach to neighborhood security comes from Jefferson County, Missouri. In response to a porch pirate incident that occurred in the area, the combination of individual home security cameras and Flock Safety License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras played a pivotal role in swiftly resolving the case.

Initially, the suspect was captured on an individual home security camera, which recorded the theft in action. The neighborhood’s Flock Safety Sparrow LPR cameras also snapped an image of the suspect’s vehicle entering and exiting the area. By leveraging the information gathered from both camera systems, local law enforcement was able to successfully identify and apprehend the perpetrator. 

Another neighborhood in Liberty, Texas also decided to take their safety to the next level by incorporating Flock Safety LPR cameras as a proactive security solution. One of the residents, Mike Little, expressed his sentiment, stating, “Hopefully, nothing ever happens, but if it does, we can go back to look at the vehicles.” 

A layered approach to neighborhood security also came to the rescue when a Tulsa dog named Napa was taken out of its owners' front yard. With the combined footage from the owners' home security and the neighborhood's Flock LPR cameras, Police were able to locate the dog in New Mexico and bring him safely home.

By implementing a comprehensive security strategy that combines the strengths of individual home security, neighborhood-wide solutions, and neighbors with a shared interest in community safety, you can maximize your safety and peace of mind for all residents. By providing a more holistic picture of incidents that do occur, this layered approach enables the entire neighborhood to participate in creating a safer community, together.