Any home in any neighborhood can be a target for theft, burglary, or home invasion robbery - whether you live in the city or in a rural community. Most families have valuables such as jewelry, flat-screen TVs, stereos, electronics, and computers that are turned into easy cash.

A study by the Justice Department reports that the average family has a one-in-four chance of being the victim of a serious crime each year. Because burglary is more easily detected due to the increase in residential alarms, offenders choose to utilize violence more often during the commission of their offenses. Listed below are some of the best tips found to help you protect your family and home.

• Warning Decals - Criminals look for decals on windows and door and this may deter them if they believe there is an alarm system.
• Loud Siren – An audible alarm is most likely to chase a burglar away before entry is ever gained into your home or business.
• 24 Hour Monitoring – Alarm companies can notify the Police Department to dispatch police officers to your home if an alarm is received by their monitoring station.

View additional safety tips for protecting your home from being a target.