Burglary Deterrent Strength Calculator
Select the protections your home already has. We combine them into a Deterrent Strength Index (0–100) you can use to spot gaps. It is a planning guide, not a measured risk probability.
Deterrent Strength Index
72
Risk deterrence: Strong
3 of 8 layers selected · max possible 118
Illustrative index. The alarm weight reflects UNC Charlotte burglary research (2012/2013).
How This Calculator Works
The calculator builds a Deterrent Strength Index (0–100) from the crime-prevention layers you select.
Methodology
- Alarm system (weight 40): anchored on the UNC Charlotte "Understanding Decisions to Burglarize" study (2012/2013), where ~60% of convicted burglars said they would choose another target if they knew the home had an alarm.
- Other layers (cameras, lighting, dog, signs, locks, watch, smart home): weighted by how commonly crime-prevention programs (CPTED / police guidance) recommend them. These are planning weights, not measured probabilities.
- Score = min(100, sum of selected weights). Bands: Minimal (<30), Moderate (30–54), Strong (55–79), Very strong (80+).
Why It Matters
Burglars overwhelmingly prefer easy, low-risk targets. Stacking visible, layered deterrents changes offender cost–benefit math and shifts them toward easier homes. The index helps you see which layers you already have and which are missing.
Sources & Data Timeliness
- UNC Charlotte, Dept. of Criminal Justice & Criminology — "Understanding Decisions to Burglarize" (study conducted 2012/2013)
- CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles used by police crime-prevention programs
- The alarm-avoidance figure is the only component tied to a published study; the remaining weights are illustrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Deterrent Strength Index mean?
It is an illustrative 0–100 planning index that ranks how many crime-prevention layers your home has. A higher number means more layers are in place. It is a prioritization tool, not a measured probability that you will or will not be burglarized.
Why does the alarm system carry the most weight?
The UNC Charlotte Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology study "Understanding Decisions to Burglarize" (2012/2013) found that about 60% of convicted burglars said they would choose another target if they knew the home had an alarm system. That is the best-documented single deterrent, so it anchors the index.
Is a security system guaranteed to stop a burglary?
No. Deterrents reduce risk and shift offender behavior, but no layer is foolproof. Layering several protections (alarms, cameras, lighting, strong locks) is more effective than relying on any single device.
Should I trust the score as a real risk number?
No. The composite is a heuristic for spotting gaps in your home's protections. The only figure tied to published research is the alarm-avoidance finding from UNC Charlotte; the other weights reflect general crime-prevention guidance and are for comparison only.
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Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational and planning purposes only. The Deterrent Strength Index is an illustrative heuristic, not a measured probability of burglary, and does not constitute security advice. The only figure tied to published research is the UNC Charlotte alarm-avoidance finding; all other weights are general planning estimates. For a tailored assessment, contact your local law-enforcement crime-prevention unit or a licensed security professional.