Chicago: Home Security & Crime Prevention Tips

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. The city is a hub for business, culture, sports, education, and more, with just over 60% of its citizens owning a home.

Here, you’ll find security tips, questions to consider, and recommendations about how to protect your Chicago property from crime.

Tips in Preventing Crime for your Home in Chicago

01

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

CPTED is an approach that uses urban and architectural design to discourage crime. Specifically when it comes to your natural surroundings, applying CPTED, will discourage criminal behavior and improve visibility of potential offenders to the neighborhood

Questions that you should think about when evaluating your home:

Does my landscaping obscure the view of my property from my neighbors and/or community?

Are entrances and driveways well illuminated?

Are there areas around my door, gate entrances, or windows where a person could easily hide?

Here are some tips to improve your overall natural environment:

Keep Areas Will Lit: Entrances should be bright at all times and provide visibility from both inside and outside.

Make sure your main entrance is visible from the street.

Your address (on both the home and curb) is visible from the street in case of an emergency.

Eliminate Hiding Spots: Cut down or eliminate hedges, bushes, or hiding spots.

Railings, fences, or walls are both well constructed and transparent.

02

Talk to a Crime Prevention Officer!

Crime Prevention Officers are experienced law enforcement professionals who are responsible for engaging and educating the community about crime prevention initiatives. If you (or your community) have been a victim of a crime or just want tips, reach out to a crime prevention officer to utilize their expertise in how to protect your home.

Chicago has 25 police districts, divided into 5 areas. The city offers a 3-1-1 phone line for non-emergency police matter or you can call 312-746-6000. If you’re looking to contact your local crime prevention officer see information for your specific district here.

03

Install a Home or Camera Security System

Home security systems and/or security cameras are essential these days to keep your house, loved ones, and belongings safe. This industry has seen some significant breakthroughs, and keeping your home secure has never been so simple.

With many options to choose from, it is essential to know some key features of the security system you are considering. See the system features you should pay attention to or continue to read below.

Install a Home or Camera Security System

Crime Data in Chicago

MY CHANCES OF BECOMING A VICTIM OF A PROPERTY CRIME

Chicago

1 in 39 in Chicago

Illinois

1 in 65in Illinois

CHICAGO PROPERTY CRIMES

Population: 2,746,388

	Burglary	Theft	Auto theft
Report Total	9,578	62,083	9,081
Rate per 1,000	3.54	22.93	3.36
US Rate per 1,000	3.14	13.98	2.46

Source: https://www.areavibes.com/chicago-il/crime/

Security System Features to Pay Attention to

These are questions you NEED to be asking when considering a home security system

How is it Monitored and by Whom?

Most security systems provide passive monitoring, meaning they react after a break-in has already occurred. Proactive systems, on the other hand, focus on preventing crimes before they happen — by keeping live eyes and ears on your property at all times.

How Do Monitoring Centers React to Suspicious Activity?

Pay attention to when they respond and their level of engagement with intruders. Most security systems never interact with intruders, so they cannot see nor hear what is occurring, which delays or prevents law enforcement from engaging.

Do They Provide Verified OR Non-Verified Calls to Police?

Verification all comes down to if the security company has eyes on the scene before contacting authorities. Check with your police department on how they handle non-verified security calls, as most police departments in US cities won’t prioritize calls from window-and-door sensor alarm providers.

Are False Alarms an Issue?

Here’s the harsh reality: anywhere from 90% to 99% of security alarms are false alarms. Forgotten codes and accidental activations are a rampant problem with windows and door sensor alarms. False Alarms are a big reason why police departments now give out hefty fines to homeowners or make it a low priority.

How Long is Your Contract?

How long is your contract? Alarm monitoring contracts can last from anywhere from 12 months to 60 months, but the industry standard is about 36 months. Be sure to look into their trial period, giving you an opportunity to back-out before committing to what could be a long-term contract.