Survey Reports Consumers’ Home Security Habits

A recent nationwide survey reports Americans’ concerns about home security and whom they trust to keep their possessions safe.

The study, conducted by third-party research firm Kelton Global and sponsored by Schlage to bring attention to October as National Crime Prevention Month, reports that nearly three out of four respondents would ask family or friends to visit their homes when they are out of town, versus only one-third of respondents who would set an alarm during their absence. Other findings included:

• Of the 80 percent of Americans who have at least one set of spare keys, 46 percent keep them inside their homes as opposed to a secure location such as a safe deposit box.
• Almost twice as many respondents said they would lock up their valuables at home, rather than move them to another location while on an extended trip (43 percent versus 27 percent).
• Parents admit their No. 1 concern is the possibility that their kids will lose or misplace the keys, but 56 percent of parents do give the keys to their children.
• Home security is the second biggest concern, with respondents claiming they would be most troubled that their kids might neglect to lock up when leaving the house.