SALT LAKE CITY — One of the most common crimes reported in Salt Lake City is property crime.

The city has nearly 78 property crimes per 1,000 residents, according to Neighborhood Scout. This is nearly three times the median U.S. rate of 28.6 per 1,000 residents.This means Salt Lake City residents have a one in 13 chance of being victimized by property crimes such as burglary, larceny and vehicle theft.

Neighborhood Scout reports the latest annual data shows nearly 1,900 burglaries, over 11,000 thefts and over 1,700 vehicle thefts. Salt Lake City's violent crime rate is about double the U.S. median of 2.6 per 1,000 residents. Home invasions, which are often violent, fit into this category.

According to the most recent (2012) Crime in Utah Report, published by the Utah Department of Public Safety, 68 percent of all burglaries involved residences. The total value of all thefts in Utah amounted to nearly $100 million, of which about $21 million was recovered. Additionally, property crime rates increased about 1.5 percent over the previous year, while violent crimes increased about 5.7 percent. The report statistics show that a larceny occurs about every eight minutes, while burglaries occur about every 42 minutes.

Most of the crime in Utah is concentrated in the Salt Lake City area and across the Wasatch Front, an area that includes about 80 percent of the state population. Outlying areas have lower crime rates, according to the report.

What can home owners do?

The report notes that the majority of burglaries did not involve forced entry. More than 6,200 were not forcible, while forcible entries totaled just under 5,500. The numbers also indicate that more than half of all burglaries may have been preventable.

Related Story

Deputies remind homeowners to close garage doors

Authorities in Weber County report a recent increase in car burglaries and say in many cases, car and home owners are making it too easy for criminals.

Simply locking your garage doors may help to prevent a break-in. Speaking with your neighbors about creating a neighborhood watch program can also help to keep your area safe.

There are many technologies available that are effective for deterring or stopping forcible home entries. Installing door and window security sensors, which continuously monitor the most vulnerable entry points to a home, is a reasonable and simple deterrent. Many of these alarms are wireless systems sold as kits that homeowners can easily install themselves. Experts recommend such sensors be integrated with a surveillance camera system that can be accessed via smart phone or laptop.

Top Ten Reviews has created a guide to DIY Home Security that explains more statistics and crime prevention tools. The guide also provides information on different home security prevention options.

Monitoring services can also be part of the overall home security plan. Many reputable companies offer 24-hour monitoring services for monthly fees ranging from $10 to $50 per month. The time it takes for a dispatcher from the alarm company to respond to an alert in your house also varies depending on the company.

A number of companies offer complete packages consisting of glass-breakage sensors, door and garage door sensors, security cameras, motion sensors, panic buttons and complete 24/7 monitoring. Optional services include carbon monoxide sensors, flood protection sensors, sirens, and personal security devices.

Another factor to consider is the help and support available from the security provider. It is important that the homeowner be able to contact the security company quickly and easily in the event of an emergency. Options for contacting the provider should also be varied and include telephone, email or live chat.

Although top-notch systems and services can represent a considerable investment, they can also lower home insurance costs and save homeowners money in the end. DIY Systems are less expensive and will still provide an additional level of safety. April Adams is a graduate of Charter Oaks State College in Connecticut. Contact her at: aceofphrase@gmail..com

Related topics