Both experts and actual burglars say alarm systems deter break-ins, mainly because most burglars are amateurs. In a University of North Carolina at Charlotte study that surveyed 422 convicted burglars, 83% of burglars admitted they check homes for alarms before breaking in.

This is because alarm systems are effective in bringing attention to a property via the loud alarm siren as well as notifying the homeowner and authorities. Burglars want a target that will bring as little attention to them as possible, meaning alarms can act as great deterrents to burglars.