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More Las Vegas area residents investing in home security during the pandemic

Posted at 9:04 AM, Oct 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-28 12:44:48-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Even though the pandemic has most of us spending more time at home, some people are still finding comfort in adding an extra layer of security. 13 Action News Anchor Tricia Kean has a look at some of the home security options locals are turning to in order to feel safe.

BUSINESS IS GOOD

Cameras, motion sensors, smart locks -- you name it and people are buying it.

Home security is a $53 billion global industry.

Research firm MarketsandMarkets says it's expected to reach nearly $80 billion in the next five years. No one knows it better than Jon Perry, president of Sting Alarm.

"Business has been good," said Perry.

He says the pandemic has many reassessing their home security.

BEEF UP SECURITY

"A lot of people are now working from their home," said Perry. "They're keeping a lot of equipment at home, so they're looking to kind of beef up their security."

Cameras are his number one seller.

The latest technology not only recognizes movement, but even identifies if it's a person, animal, or just a vehicle driving down your street.

TWO-WAY CONVERSATION CAMERA

Another popular option is Wellcam. It's the new way to check in on loved ones.

"I can hear what's going on and I can also talk," explained Perry. "We can have a two-way conversation over that one camera."

Also popular is keyless entry. Perry says customers are demanding smart locks capable of doing more and more.

"It's going to open the door, it's going to disarm the alarm, it might even move the thermostat down a few degrees and turn on a couple of lights," he said.

CUSTOM SECURITY SCREENS

"No one's ever breached any of our screens," said James Kerr, founder and CEO of Boss Security Screens.

Business is also booming at Boss. The company designs custom screens made to withstand category 4 hurricane-force winds.

STAINLESS STEEL MESH

"This is no ordinary mesh," Kerr said. "It's made out of stainless steel. The frame is building-grade aluminum."

He says 2020 is proving to be his company's best year yet.

Homeowners are ordering custom-made screens for everything: windows, front and back doors, sliding and French doors, even doggie doors.

Kerr says it's a deterrent that works.

LOOKING FOR EASY WAY

"Burglars are looking for an easy way in and an easy way out," Kerr said.

It's true. Statistics support the idea burglars look for the point of least resistance.

Consumer information site Safe At Last reports burglars typically go right through the front door, followed by a first-floor window or back door.

With families spending more time at home these days, Kerr says homeowners want some sort of reassurance.

"People need something extra," said Kerr. "They need to have that sense of peace that they and their family are okay."

Something else to consider if your spending more time at home these days, 65% of home burglaries happen between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. according to the FBI.