Researchers at the School of Criminal Justice Rutgers University (SCJ; Newark, NJ, USA) reviewed five years of police data from the Newark Police Department (Newark, NJ, USA). Conducted over a two-year period, the study was funded by the nonprofit Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation (AIREF; Irving, TX, USA).

"The data show that the steady decrease in burglaries in Newark between 2001 and 2005 coincided with an increase in the number of registered home burglar alarms," said researcher Dr. Seungmug (a.k.a. Zech) Lee. "The study credits the alarms with the decrease in burglaries and the city's overall crime rate. By using sophisticated in-depth research techniques, we were able to eliminate the variables affecting crime rates and focus directly on the impact of alarm systems on residential burglaries."

The study found that burglar alarms makes dwellings less attractive to would-be and active intruders without displacing burglaries to nearby homes. The deterrent effect of alarms is also felt by the community at large.

Technological innovations have increased the availability of home security systems to middle-class homeowners and have made the systems more dependable. "Computers, printed circuits, digital communicators, and microprocessors have refined monitoring and signaling technology; and modern electronic sensors now include ultrasonic, infrared and microwave devices. These were formerly only available in more sophisticated commercial and industrial applications," Dr. Lee said.

"This type of study assists police departments to deploy their limited resources effectively, providing valuable insight into the positive impact alarm systems can have in preventing residential burglaries," said Newark police director Garry McCarthy.

Related links:
School of Criminal Justice, Rutgers University
Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation