According to the FBI, a burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States. The fact remains that people leave themselves vulnerable because they believe a variety of myths about security. These myths lead people to believe that burglars can easily disarm systems or that only the rich can afford or need an alarm system.

In reality, modern security systems help protect your home, valuables, and family. FBI crime statistics show that homes with no home security installation were “three times as likely to be burglarized.” Let’s debunk six common myths about home security systems using facts provided by an established security expert and federal crime statistics.

Myth: Using a security system has no effect on your home insurance.

Fact: Home insurance companies usually offer between 2 – 15 percent off your policy. The insurance companies require a certificate of installation and service from the security alarm company. It can be more. According to SafeWise, a monitored home security system nets the homeowner an average discount of 20 percent on home insurance.

Myth: Pets cause security system false alarms.

Fact: Security firms now provide “pet-immune motion detection systems.” This includes using glass breaks, rather than motion detection, as an alarm trigger for doors and windows. The company can also set the trigger weight for the system at more than 80 pounds which precludes false positives from your ten-pound cat, as well as a thirsty preschooler in the middle of the night.

Myth: Burglars can easily circumvent security systems.

Fact: Today’s security systems feature backup systems, including wireless backups. A burglar can’t simply cut a phone line or the electricity anymore. Throw away the attitude that “home security does nothing for my home” because today’s systems provide constant protection for you and your family. An alarm system can alert those in the vicinity, security personnel and law enforcement for you. However, you should make sure you have a system that meets the industry standard. If your system isn’t reliable, then you might be in trouble.

Myth: Home security systems cost more than I can afford.

Fact: Home security systems cost less than they ever have. The cost of home security systems keeps decreasing as software systems replace hardware systems. Each installation provides only what that customer needs, also keeping costs low. Although some elaborate systems may cost up to $1,000 for installation, most companies offer a free, basic system for customers who subscribe to a monthly low-cost monitoring plan.

Myth: Living in the country means one doesn’t need a security system.

Fact: Burglars attack homes in all locations. According to the Montgomery News, during 2007, the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department reported nearly 30 percent more burglaries than the Philadelphia Police Department, Department of Justice statistics show. Burglars strike rural, suburban and urban targets. Some areas are at a higher risk than others, so take a look at the security statistics for the area you live in.

Myth: Owning a big guard dog provides enough protection.

Fact: Some burglars kill or maim the guard dog before breaking into the home. Use of handguns, knives or mace on guard dogs is fairly common, says security expert John Dyess. The better choice, says Insure.com, combines dog ownership with a security system. If you must choose between a trained guard dog and monitored system, the techy choice costs less. Many security companies charge about $1 per day. Compare that $365 annual fee with the $700 to $875 annually it costs to feed, care for and train a guard dog.

Ignore these and other security system myths. The truth is a home security or home surveillance system can help keep your home investment safer, plus save you money on your home insurance. Whether you live in the city, the country or somewhere in between, it provides a warning to those inside the home and alerts police automatically. Your dog probably hasn’t learned to call 911 yet. To figure out what security system is best for you, check out A Secure Life’s comparison of the top 10 security systems for 2017.