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Why Alarms and CCTV Are a Powerful Deterrent

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Crime Still Makes Security Essential

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Visible security systems such as intruder alarms and CCTV are proven to deter crime. Studies show that properties without security measures are significantly more likely to be targeted by opportunistic criminals.

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Homes, businesses and vacant properties can all be attractive targets when they appear unprotected. While crime trends change over time, property related crime remains a serious issue across England and Wales.

 

In the latest Office for National Statistics bulletin, police recorded 82,678 robberies and 519,381 shoplifting offences in the year ending September 2025.​​

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Do Alarms and CCTV Really Deter Crime?

For property owners, the message is simple. Visible security still matters. A professionally installed intruder alarm and CCTV system can help make your property far less appealing to criminals.

Most intruders are looking for the easiest opportunity. The more visible the deterrent, the more risk they face, and the less attractive the property becomes.
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Research shows that over 60% of burglars will avoid a property with visible CCTV or alarm systems.

Intruder Alarms Put Criminals Off

 

An alarm system changes the situation immediately.

 

A professionally installed intruder alarm can:

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  • create an instant audible deterrent

  • draw attention to suspicious activity

  • reduce the time an intruder is willing to stay on site

  • alert keyholders or a monitoring centre quickly

  • help reduce loss, disruption and damage​

 

Homes with good physical security measures are far better protected, with one major UK study finding they were up to 49 times more protected against burglary than homes with no security measures in place.

CCTV Is an Effective Layer of Protection

 

CCTV does two important jobs. It helps deter crime, and it helps capture evidence.

 

A modern CCTV system can:

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  • make an offender think twice before approaching

  • record suspicious behaviour, entry attempts and incidents

  • help identify people, vehicles and movement around the property

  • support police investigations with usable footage

  • allow remote viewing from your smartphone or device

 

Research reviewed by the College of Policing found that CCTV is associated with an average 16% reduction in crime, with the strongest impact on vehicle and property crime.

Visible Security Sends a Clear Message​​

 

Data from security studies and police reports consistently show that visible security systems are the single most effective deterrent.

 

  • Reduction in Risk: Homes with a visible, working professional alarm system are up to 60% less likely to be targeted by burglars

  • Deterrence Factor: Approximately 90% of convicted burglars admitted they would actively avoid a property if they saw a visible alarm or CCTV system.

  • Abandonment Rate: If an alarm is triggered during a break-in, roughly 74% of intruders abandon the attempt immediately without taking anything.

Make Your Property a Harder Target

Whether you need a new intruder alarm, upgraded CCTV, monitored protection or advice on securing a vacant property, we can help.

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Contact ETA Security today to arrange a free survey and find the right protection for your home or business.

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