Is Crime in DFW Declining?
Crime in Dallas-Ft. Worth
Whether you’re considering moving to a new area or have lived in the same neighborhood for years, it pays to be informed about crime rates. Cities such as Dallas, which are home to rapidly growing populations and sprawling suburbs, can be excellent places to work, play and raise a family. But what does the local crime news tell us about home security across the Metroplex? Specifically, have local crimes become more or less prevalent in recent years?
Measuring crime data over time is a helpful tool, mostly because it can reveal emerging patterns. Resources such as police reports and statistics collected by the FBI can shed light on decades-long trends. When we read Dallas and Fort Worth police news indicating that crime is down, however, it’s important to avoid making assumptions. Let’s take a closer look at some of the numbers and what they mean for daily life in Dallas.
Recent Crimes and the Crime Rate in Dallas, Texas
According to a September 2017 report published by The Dallas Morning News, property crimes in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) have kept pace with a slight but steady decrease across the country over the last several years. Details show that between 2015 and 2016, property crimes did go down, but only by “about 1.2 percent.”
It’s also important to be aware of where Dallas stands compared to the rest of the country. U.S. News and World Report notes that in Dallas, “the rate of property crimes, such as robbery, are slightly above the national rate.” Further, the FBI’s data shows that the combined DFW metropolitan area — which includes Arlington, Plano, Irving, Denton and Richardson — experienced a total of 35,728 break-ins in 2015. That means that, on average, 97 break-ins occurred every day. According to the FBI, the city of Dallas alone averaged 30 break-ins per day in 2016. Although the crime news today may suggest that fewer homes are being burglarized than in decades past, insecure homes make for easy targets in DFW.
Knowledge is Power to Prevent Robbery
Despite fielding a smaller police force than past years, Dallas law enforcement has been doing its part to prevent theft and home invasion. The Dallas Morning News also reports that, in November 2017, new Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall began a crime reduction initiative consisting of foot patrols to “talk to residents, execute warrants and deter would-be criminals.”
While community-focused efforts such these are fundamental to reducing neighborhood crime, break-ins remain an unfortunate fact of city life. What measures should you take to keep yourself safe as a resident? While it may be impossible to control the factors that result in lower overall crime rates, you are far from powerless. Installing a home security system is the first step to prevention, and it’s safe to say that advances in home security technology make break-ins harder to pull off.
The Reality of Crime in Texas
Neighborhood burglaries often happen in strings, where several homes in the same area are hit within a short period of time. Even if you live in a relatively safe area, it’s crucial to make sure your home doesn’t look enticing to burglars.
Recently, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology released the results of a major study revealing how opportunistic burglars victimize homeowners. About 60 percent of convicted burglars interviewed said that the presence of a security system influenced their decision to target another home. Put another way, if it’s clear that your home has an alarm system, a thief is much more likely to keep moving.
When residents are often away in the late morning and early afternoon, robberies are more likely to occur. Whether you’re on a trip that takes you out of town or just making a stop at the supermarket, don’t leave your home vulnerable. Stopping a crime in progress may seem like an intimidating task, but with a quality home security system, you can easily cover all the bases.
Installing features such as outdoor lighting, motion detectors, and door and window monitors can make a huge difference. If a break-in does occur, a key defense mechanism is a loud, high-pitched alarm tone that the burglar cannot silence. When the alarm is activated, your home security company can contact you and sent law enforcement to the scene. Features like a 24-hour monitoring service mean that your home is never left unprotected.
Local and Personalized Protection
In recent years, home security options have expanded, with advanced features such as mobile monitoring taking center stage. From simple alarm systems to fire monitoring and security cameras, products have advanced to provide Texans with more choices.
Deciding what features will work best for your living quarters can be simple with the help of an experienced home security technician. Whether you live in a large suburban house in Richardson or an East Dallas bungalow, you don’t need to be a technology whiz to protect your belongings. Even better, you may be surprised to learn that an easy-to-use home security system can be an affordable investment.
Are you ready to take action to protect your Dallas home against robbery? Choosing the right alarm system begins with a home security company you can rely on. Smith Thompson Home Security is locally owned and has been trusted by Texans since 1978. Low monthly rates, exceptional customer service and a firm no-contract policy are just some of the ways we keep our thousands of DFW customers satisfied. Expert home protection at a great value is only an appointment away. Contact us today to learn more about our home security solutions.
