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Electronic home security is now so prevalent that at least one security device can be found in most homes. That being the case, there are still those homeowners who have chosen not to invest in home security for one reason or another. Have you ever wondered about their motivations?
A 2023 survey conducted by Cove answers that question. The survey reveals three definitive reasons people don’t invest in home security. Let us look at them in more detail. If you do not have any home security devices in your home, maybe you can relate.
Reason #3: Dog Ownership
Counting down, the number three reason for not investing in home security is owning a dog. Some 26% of the survey respondents gave dog ownership as their motivation. I suppose that means owning a dog gives them confidence that they don’t have to worry about burglary for home invasion.
I will not argue. If I were a burglar, the last thing I would want to encounter is a dog. Dogs make noise. Some of them can be vicious. There is only one problem with relying exclusively on a dog: dogs don’t have built-in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. And to me, smoke and carbon monoxide are just as dangerous as unauthorized intruders.
Reason #2: Crime Isn’t a Problem
The number two reason for not investing in home security is the perception that “crime isn’t a problem where I live.” Approximately 31% of the respondents said that very thing. Again, it is hard to argue against that perception. The fact that someone perceives crime is not a problem doesn’t mean it’s true, but such a perception would certainly mitigate any compulsion to invest in home security.
Our general sentiment is that home security systems are largely about deterring crime. Indeed, crime deterrence is a point Vivint Home Security relies on to market its security systems. So if a homeowner doesn’t feel like crime is a problem in his neighborhood, he isn’t likely to pay attention to those sorts of marketing messages.
Reason #1: It’s Too Expensive
Finally, the top reason people don’t invest in home security is the perception that it’s too expensive. More than half (51%) of the survey respondents who do not have home security cited cost as the primary reason. Can I argue with that one? No.
Everything is more expensive in recent years. When people are struggling to put gas in the tank and food on the table, a home security system falls way down on the priority list. I get it. On the other hand, investing in one or two security devices doesn’t have to break the bank.
Perhaps a homeowner can’t afford to invest in a complete system with 24-hour monitoring. But can he afford a $25 wireless video camera with a companion mobile app? If he can, even a single video camera is a greater deterrent than nothing at all.
A Lot in the Industry Has Changed
There isn’t much the industry can say to people who don’t invest in home security because they either have a dog or don’t believe that crime is a problem. But for those who avoid home security due to affordability, it is important to know that the industry has changed a lot over the years.
Prices have come down thanks to competition and new technologies. What was once out of the reach of everyone but the wealthy is now more affordable than ever. If you fall into that group concerned about cost, at least do a bit of shopping. You might find that you really can afford home security.
