Picking a Better Alarm Code | Crime Prevention (2024)

FAQs

Picking a Better Alarm Code | Crime Prevention? ›

Do Not Use Easy-to-Guess Numbers – Never use a phone number, special date or birth date for your code. While they are easier to remember, they are also easy for someone to guess. Avoid Repetitive or Patterned Numbers – Do not pick a security code with multiple numbers in a row, such as “2222” or “1234” or “2468”.

Do Not Use Easy-to-Guess Numbers – Never use a phone number, special date or birth date for your code. While they are easier to remember, they are also easy for someone to guess. Avoid Repetitive or Patterned Numbers – Do not pick a security code with multiple numbers in a row, such as “2222” or “1234” or “2468”.

In another study from the University of North Carolina's Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, they found that 83% of burglars took the time to look for a home security system. Another 60% said that if there was a burglar alarm in the home, they would choose another target.

Another way criminals may try to defeat burglar alarms is through wireless alarm jammers. These very expensive devices are sometimes able to block cellular signals, such as the ones used in wireless home security systems. But due to the high cost of cell jammers, wire cutters are still the tool of choice for thieves.

Burglaries, a common threat, are thwarted by the mere presence of security alarms. Criminals are deterred when faced with the risk of immediate detection. This deterrent effect extends to various other crimes, such as trespassing and property damage.

1234 is the most frequently used four-digit code, but other sequential number codes are popular choices as well. Avoid sequential numbers, both forward and backward such as 5678, 9876, etc.

Lighting Is Everything. The first and most important deterrent is bright lighting. When criminals are casing potential target locations, they look for dark places that look empty and are difficult to see at dusk or in the dark. A well-lit yard allows your home to be visible to neighbors and people passing by.

Homes in high-visibility places, like on corner lots, are far less likely to be broken into. There are simply too many potential ways to be seen. But townhomes, houses in the middle of the block, or houses in a cul-de-sac are much better targets.

Trellis, thorny plants, or a suitable anti-climb topping such as plastic spikes make it difficult for anyone climbing over a fence or gate. Planting prickly or barbed shrubbery along boundaries and fence lines acts as an effective natural barrier. Gravel driveways and paths will make sure you hear anyone approach.

What is the number one thing to deter burglars? ›

Alarm Systems or Sirens

Burglars hate attention. That's the main reason why burglar alarms and sirens are effective on deterring thieves. Statistics show that 46% of burglars would tend to avoid homes with alarm systems or sirens.

By emitting a high-energy signal that disrupts Wi-Fi connections, jamming devices disconnect security systems from their networks, leaving luxury primary and secondary residences vulnerable to invasion. In actuality, there are a myriad of ways thieves can exploit WIFI weaknesses to burglarize a home: Signal jamming.

The best way to protect your home from burglary is with a home security system. Systems can include cameras, alarms, and smart controls (so you can lock your doors remotely or turn on appliances to make your home appear occupied).

Just having an alarm on your property can serve as a deterrent to some, but not all, burglars. This is why you need to ensure that the alarm is in a visible place. According to statistics obtained from interviewing convicted burglars, 60% were deterred by seeing an alarm system.

While other self-defense tools like pepper spray and emergency alarms are great, many of them can't dial 911 or your emergency contacts like an app can. Yes, physical alarms will likely draw attention to your situation and deter attackers, but app alarms go one step further. Take an app like Aster for example.

Whenever a security alarm system is installed, it is set to a default code. The default codes are easy like 0000 or 1234 and many people forget to change it.

You can change your alarm system's code by following the specific process for your security panel. Each security system has unique steps that must be followed to change system codes. It is possible to change the Master Code and any user codes that have been set up with the security system.

The user code is a four-digit number that you or the previous owner of the house set when installing the alarm system. If you don't know your user code, you can try some default codes, such as 0123, 1234, or 9999.