What Crime Awaits You? - Tips on Researching Crime Rates Before Relocating to a New City

What Crime Awaits You? - Tips on Researching Crime Rates Before Relocating to a New City

Important Crime Rate Resources to Check Before Moving to a New City

The Summer months are a popular time of year for moving. But not everyone takes the time to research the crime rates in the city they are relocating to prior to the big move. Don't make this mistake!

Whether you're moving to a new town because of your job or just looking for a change in scenery, the more you learn about your new city's crime rates before moving, the better off you'll be. In this article I'll discuss some important crime rate resources you can use, as well as some home security tips you should take into consideration when looking for a new home.

Important Crime Rate Resources

No city is without crime. However, there are cities that experience higher rates of crime than others. The types of crimes committed also vary between regions. Understanding the crime rates in the city and neighborhood you are considering moving to is very important for your safety and the safety of your family. Not only can it help you determine which community is right for you, it can also help you understand the home security measures you need to take to protect against the city's most common crimes.

The following are important crime rate resources to check before relocating to a new city:

  • Uniform Crime Reports: Each year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) releases a series of crime reports that detail specific crimes and trends throughout the United States. The FBI's Crime in the U.S. analysis is the most comprehensive of their reports, which provides a breakdown of the various crimes by offense, including property crimes, by a number of cities and counties in each state. This is an excellent resource to turn to when you want to find out about the level of crime in a major city in the US.

  • Local Resources: When it comes to researching crime rates in a particular community within a city, look to the town's local City Hall or main website. Many local law enforcement agencies also have up-to-date information about crimes in the neighborhoods they serve. You might also check with local realtors within the city you are considering moving to. Just keep in mind that not all realtors are reliable sources of information, as their priority is to sell you a home, not your safety. Don't base your decision on simple verbal reassurance. Ask for written crime data and statistics.

  • Other Online Resources: In addition to the FBI's online crime data, there are a number of other online resources that you can turn to for up-to-date crime information. For example, Spotcrime.com allows you to simply search by zip-code. In addition, after you relocate, this free service can automatically keep you updated to specific crimes in your neighborhood and surrounding areas. To learn more details about the burglaries, home invasions, and other property crimes that occur throughout the city, browse the crime news reports on the websites of the city's local newspaper or Patch.com.

Other Important Home Security Tips

Ensuring your safety and the safety of your family requires more than an understanding of your city's crime rates. The interior and exterior features of your new residence are also important factors to consider in terms of home security.

Here are a few of the most important factors to take into consideration during your new home search:

  • Landscaping: Beautiful landscaping can certainly add to a property's curbside appeal, but it can also provide burglars and other would-be intruders with the perfect hiding place. When looking for your new residence, pay attention to the location of trees, shrubs, fences, and retaining walls. Can they be used to gain access to a second-floor balcony or window? Could anything be used as a hiding place during the day or dark of night? If you see something that presents as a home security risk, it will be important to take whatever precautions are necessary to eliminate that risk. Sometimes it can be as simple as reinforcing the security around vulnerable entry doors and windows.

  • Outdoor Lighting: The outdoor lighting around a home during the evening hours can invite or deter criminals. Too little light makes it easier for intruders to hide in the cloak of darkness; too much light provides a clear view of a home's entryways. When looking for a new home, be sure to take time to evaluate the outdoor lighting of the residence after it gets dark. The key to OnGARD security door brace is having a motion-activated light that is bright enough to startle and ward off a would-be intruder. An automatic shut-off feature will also help cut down on energy costs.

  • Interior Home Security: Finding a home with a quality home alarm system already in place is a smart move. However, it takes more than a noisy alarm to keep an intruder out of your home. The best way to decrease your risk of falling victim to a burglary or home invasion is to reinforce the security around the doors and windows of your residence. If standard locks are the only level of security the windows and doors of your new residence provide, it will be important to invest in quality home security devices such as the OnGARD security door brace and BurglarGARD glass protection film. Both of these security devices are designed for one specific purpose—to keep the bad guys out!

Know What Crime Awaits You Before Moving

Taking the time to research a community's crime rates before relocating to a new city is well worth the effort. Not only can it help you make educated decisions about your new residence, it can help ensure you find a community that's right for you and your family.

Jordan Frankel, commonly known as The Security Sensei develops revolutionary security products and solutions that protect both lives & property. Countless agencies and corporations such as NASDAQ, the US Military, and law enforcement entrust Mr. Frankel with their security and safety. Jordan Frankel is also frequent media guest addressing the personal and financial consequences associated with home invasions, burglaries and other serious threats. In addition, Mr. Frankel's security products & inventions have been featured on Oprah, FOX news and in countless publications. Jordan's ability to outsmart the proverbial bad guys - coupled with his commitment to making security an affordable reality for everyone is the key to Global Security Experts Inc success. Mr. Frankel (The Security Sensei) is available for media interviews by appointment only.

Mr. Frankel is a proud member of:

The American Society for Industrial Security.

The International Association for Counter Terrorism & Security.

The Society of Professional Locksmiths.

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