Do Burglars Avoid Homes with Alarms? The Hard Data Behind the Deterrent

When you hear a siren wail in the night, you feel safe. But do burglars actually care? Is that big sign in your yard, the blinking light on your wall, or the monthly fee for professional monitoring really making your home less attractive to criminals? The answer isn’t guesswork-it’s backed by decades of research, interviews with convicted burglars, and hard crime statistics.

Most Burglars Will Walk Away If They See an Alarm

A 2014 study by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte interviewed 422 incarcerated burglars across three states. The results were clear: 83% of them actively looked for signs of security systems before breaking in. And when they saw one? 60% would immediately move on to another house. That’s not a small number. That’s the majority.

It’s not about whether the alarm is armed. It’s about perception. Burglars don’t want to risk getting caught. They want speed, silence, and an easy exit. A visible alarm system-whether it’s a sticker on the window, a yard sign, or a camera mounted on the porch-signals risk. And risk is the one thing they’re trying to avoid.

What Happens When a Burglar Already Started Breaking In?

Even if a burglar gets past the initial deterrent and starts trying to break in, alarms still work. The same UNC study found that when a burglar triggers an alarm during a break-in:

• 50% flee immediately
• 31% sometimes stop and leave
• Only 13% keep going

That means more than 80% of intruders abandon their attempt once the alarm sounds. Why? Because time is their enemy. Most burglaries take less than 10 minutes. Alarms add delay. Delays mean higher chances of being caught. Even if the police don’t arrive right away, the sound alone is enough to scare off most offenders.

Not All Alarms Are Created Equal

A simple sign or decal can deter 60% of burglars. But if you want maximum protection, you need more than just a sticker. The research shows that homes with both visible indicators AND proof of professional monitoring are avoided by 90% of burglars.

Here’s why it matters:

• Visible signs (yard signs, window decals) = 60% avoidance rate
• Visible signs + professional monitoring (like ADT, Brinks) = 90% avoidance rate
• Self-monitored systems (phone alerts only) = 29% risk reduction
• Professionally monitored systems = 43% risk reduction

The difference? Professional monitoring means someone is watching 24/7. If your alarm goes off, they call the police. Burglars know that. They’ve heard stories. They know that if they’re caught on camera and the police show up within minutes, they’re done.

Police Response Time Is the Weak Link

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: alarms don’t always stop burglars because police don’t always show up fast enough. In urban areas, the average response time to an alarm is 8.7 minutes. In rural areas, it’s 14.3 minutes. That’s longer than most burglaries take.

That’s why 40% of burglars still target homes with alarms-they’ve calculated the odds. But here’s what changes the game: systems with live video verification. Companies like Deep Sentinel now use AI-powered cameras that let monitoring centers see exactly what’s happening before calling the police. With video proof, response times drop to under 3.2 minutes. That’s a game-changer.

Alarm Systems Reduce Loss Even When They Don’t Prevent Burglary

Even if a burglar gets inside, alarms still help. The FBI’s 2023 data shows that homes with security systems experience 23% lower property loss on average. Why? Because alarms make burglars hurry. They grab what they can quickly and run. In homes without alarms, thieves have time to search drawers, break open safes, and take more.

The numbers speak for themselves:

• Average loss in homes with alarms: $1,842
• Average loss in homes without alarms: $2,392

That’s over $500 on average saved per incident. Not bad for a system that costs less than $30 a month.

Alarm Systems Work Best When Combined With Other Measures

An alarm alone isn’t magic. The most effective home security is layered. Security experts agree: alarms work best when paired with:

• Reinforced doors with ANSI Grade 1 deadbolts
• Motion-sensor outdoor lighting
• Timers for indoor lights when you’re away
• Collecting mail and packages regularly

One 2022 study found that homes with alarms AND motion-activated lighting saw 27% fewer attempted break-ins than homes with alarms alone. Why? Because lighting removes shadows. Shadows hide movement. Burglars rely on darkness.

Alarm Systems Are Getting Smarter-and More Affordable

Ten years ago, installing a security system cost over $1,200. Today, it’s under $850 on average. Many systems now connect to your phone, let you see live video, and even let you talk to anyone at your door through an app.

New tech is making alarms smarter too:

• AI-powered cameras reduce false alarms by 72%
• Systems now distinguish between pets and people
• Integration with Alexa and Google Home lets you arm your system with your voice

And the trend is growing. In 2020, 28% of U.S. homes had security systems. By 2024, that number jumped to 34%. Experts predict over half of all homes will have them by 2026.

Why Some Burglars Still Break In-Even With Alarms

Let’s be real: no system is 100% foolproof. Some burglars are desperate-addicted to drugs, in financial ruin, or operating in neighborhoods where crime is so common they’ve stopped calculating risk. In areas with more than 15 burglaries per 1,000 homes, alarms are less effective.

Another big problem? User error. A 2023 survey found that 41% of security system failures were because homeowners forgot to arm them. Or worse-they used “1234” as their code. That’s the most common PIN in the U.S.

If your system is off, it doesn’t matter how loud the alarm is. If you don’t arm it every time you leave, you’re not protected.

Insurance Discounts and Home Value Boost

Installing a monitored alarm system isn’t just about safety-it’s about money. Eighty-seven percent of major insurance companies offer discounts for homes with security systems. The average reduction? 15-20% on your homeowners premium. That’s hundreds of dollars a year.

And if you ever sell your home? The National Association of Realtors found that homes with security systems sell for 4.7% more. Buyers see it as a built-in safety feature. It’s a selling point.

Final Answer: Yes, Burglars Avoid Homes With Alarms-If They’re Done Right

The data doesn’t lie. Burglars are practical. They’re not looking for a fight. They’re looking for the easiest target. A visible, properly installed, and consistently armed alarm system makes your home look like the wrong choice.

It’s not about having the fanciest system. It’s about making your home look risky. A sign. A sticker. A light that turns on when someone walks by. A system you actually use. That’s enough to send most burglars down the street.

If you’re thinking about installing one, don’t wait. The average burglary in the U.S. happens every 18.3 seconds. Your home doesn’t have to be the next one.