Don't be one of 13 million homes robbed in 2010

(ARA) - When you secure your home, what do you do? Lock the deadbolt on your front door? Maybe attach the security chain for a little extra peace of mind?

If you really want to protect your home and family, a deadbolt or chain won't be enough to keep out someone who really wants into your home. When you want to protect your home, family and possessions, you need a security system.

Burglary is big business in America, with one burglary committed every 10 seconds, according to the Metropolitan Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (MBFAA). That adds up to nearly 13 million homes being burglarized each year.

More people are turning to security systems - the MBFAA reports that the number of homes with a security system has jumped nearly 40 percent over the past 5 years. A Temple University study found that homes without security systems are about 3 times more likely to be broken into than homes with security systems.

Millions turn to security to truly protect their homes

When evaluating a security system for your residence, you should consider a few important factors: A system should be easy to use, easy to customize, easy to install, and the company you work with should offer 24/7 monitoring and instant alerts. All for a price that's easy on the wallet.

A service with no contracts, better price

With SimpliSafe, you can get all of those things and pay $19.99 per month - a savings of at least 50 percent per month compared with some of the competing services. There are also no alarm activation fees, and SimpliSafe customers are free from long-term service contracts, so they can cancel their alarm monitoring service anytime and never face cancellation fees.

When you order your SimpliSafe security system, it comes to you pre-programmed and you can install it yourself in less than 15 minutes - which means you are also free from installation charges. You can make any changes you wish - such as adding personal identification numbers - on your computer using the keychain remote control, which is also a USB drive used to transmit system updates.

Wireless security is safer with cellular

SimpliSafe also works on a cellular network so you don't need to have a landline phone to have the service. The base station acts like a mini-cell phone so there's no fear of being out of touch from the monitoring center should a phone line get cut.

Perfect for apartments

Apartments are prime targets for burglaries, whether someone is at home or not. They are 85 percent more likely to get burgled than single-family homes, according to the National Crime Prevention Council. You can avoid being a victim by adding a security system - even if you don't own the apartment. SimpliSafe can be taken with you if you move from one apartment to the next because you own the equipment and it isn't hardwired into your house.

Instant smart alerts keep you in touch

Are you wondering what time your kids snuck back into the house? Was the dogwalker at the house or apartment for a half hour when you're paying them for an hour? SimpliSafe's instant alerts can send you text message or e-mail alerts when the system is armed and disarmed. You'll also know if there is a power outage at home and your system is operating on battery backup.

Click here to get started customizing your SimpliSafe alarm system, and keep your family safe.

Sponsored content provided by SimpliSafe Inc.. Copyright ARAnet, Inc.