In 2007, Houston residents reported nearly 30,000 burglaries in their city. The number of burglaries in Houston per person runs 1.5 to 2 times that of the United States as a whole. In 2006, the Houston police force had 2.17 officers per 1,000 residents, while the rate across the country was 3.00 officers per 1,000 residents. The number of crimes committed in Houston went down in 2008 and was lower than any year since 1980. From January through March 2009, violent crimes declined 8 percent over the same period of 2008. Nonetheless, for Houston's political candidates security and crime prevention remain major platform issues. Despite the recent declines, crime and security remain major concerns not only of Houston's elected officials, but also of the city's residents. A poll conducted by Rice University in 2008 for its annual Houston Area Survey found that nearly 75 percent of Houston residents were "somewhat worried" or "very worried" that they or a family member will become a victim of a crime. According to the Rice University poll, the percent of worried Houston residents was higher in 2008 than any year in over a decade. Preventing crimes takes a multi-faceted approach. Government, police officers, courts, and communities have important roles to play. But ultimately, individuals are responsible for the safety and security of their own homes. That's why in Houston home security systems are as important as locks on the doors-actually more important because locks can be broken or keys stolen. Anyone who has come home to a broken window or a jimmied lock knows the sinking feeling of realizing that their home has been broken into. Questions come to mind automatically: Is everyone in the family okay? Is the burglar still in the house? What's been stolen? Will the thief or thieves be back? Is it safe to stay in the house? Are they armed? Whether the burglar is a seasoned criminal or a mischievous teenager, a home burglary is a personal invasion of privacy. The way to prevent this violation is to make sure no one can gain entry without permission. It's not good enough to have a warning sign outside the door; an activated home security system is the only real solution to issues of security in Houston. Houston home security requires 24-hour high quality alarm monitoring systems. With Honeywell security systems, homeowners and apartment-dwellers can have the comfort of knowing that an alarm will sound and security staff will respond if burglars attempt to break into their homes. Whether a Houston resident is away from home for a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks, home security systems bring peace of mind. Crimes rates have gone down in Houston in the past year or two. However, whether crime rates are going up or down, as long as any crime exists home security systems are needed. Without adequate home security, residents of Houston and other cities, large or small, cannot have the comfort of knowing their homes will be intact and their loved ones safe when they walk in their doors.
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