Just how likely are you to become a victim of crime? It is believed that crime is increasing in many cities across the United States. Most of the country’s large cities, from New Orleans to Los Angeles and everywhere in between, have disturbingly high numbers of violent crime (which include murder, rape, and assault) as well as property crimes such a thefts, burglaries, and break-ins. Living in today’s world, it’s no wonder why so many people have chosen to protect their homes, themselves, and their families with security systems, stun guns, pepper spray, personal alarms, and a whole host of other devices designed to give you peace of mind and help you thwart an attack.What do the statistics show about the level of crime in the United States? Last year, there was a violent crime every 22.8 seconds, and an aggravated assault every 37.8 seconds. No matter your gender, age, or location, it is critical that you protect yourself before you become part of these statistics.There were almost five million acts of violence with female victims reported in the United States last year. Three quarters of these women were attacked when alone, and half were attacked by multiple assailants. Thirty percent of female victims of violence were attacked by someone they knew well. There are more than half a million rapes reported in the United States each year. These statistics underscore the need for women, especially, to protect themselves. Carry pepper spray in your handbag everywhere you go. A stun gun shaped like a cell phone or pepper spray disguised to look like a pen can be great choices, especially when you consider that many of these crimes are perpetrated by attackers who know their victim.According to the FBI, there are more than seventeen million property crimes such as burglary in the United States each year, including a burglary every twelve seconds and a violent robbery every 70 seconds. The average dollar loss per home invasion is about $1,725 to $2,000, and by far houses are the biggest target for break-ins. Clearly, property crimes are a huge problem in the United States. When you consider the danger your home is in, as well as how much property you are risking by leaving it unprotected, it makes sense to protect your home with alarms, security cameras, and other devices.Much can be learned from the method of entry for most home burglaries. About two thirds of residential burglaries occurred during daylight hours, while many people mistakenly believe that their home is at greater risk at night. A third of all home invasions happen right through the front door, while another quarter enter through a first floor window, and nearly all of the rest enter through the back door or garage. In nearly all cases, any alarms or other security systems on the home were not turned on or armed at the time of the burglary.Historically speaking, property crime tends to increase when the economy is not doing well. Since we are currently in a recession, it is all the more important to protect yourself, your home, and your family.
