If you ask around on the streets of Birmingham, many people express that they feel “safe enough”. Though, “safe enough” is better than “not safe”, the numbers show that the area has a crime rate far above the national average. In fact, Birmingham has a crime index of only 1 (the safest being 100). Seventy-eight percent of crime in the area is property-related and may have been avoided by having a home security system in place.

However, many residents opt to set their home alarm only for part of the day – either daytime when they aren’t home, or overnight when they are sleeping. So, what time of day is it most beneficial to have a home security system in place?

As per the National Crime Victimization Society, crimes happen at all times of the day or night. However, by the same study it was found that property crimes – the type most common to Birmingham – actually happen most consistently during the day (excluding motor vehicle theft). Typically, this is because people are not home during the day – and often they are also not nearby or in close contact – they are at work, focused, not thinking about their house. Most property crimes are reported at 5:00pm: the time many people get home from work to discover the damage.

It makes sense, if you think about it: you aren’t home, and likely neither are your neighbours. With no one around to keep a watch on the place, it can become a target. Therefore, it’s important to make sure to have home security in place during the daylight hours when no one is home. Of course, that is not to say to only set your home alarm during the day – for optimal security, it’s best to have it in place any time when no one is home, and also overnight when you are asleep.