The statistics are grim. The FBI reports that in the United States, one property crime occurs every 3 seconds, one burglary is committed every 10 seconds, one violent crime occurs every 20 seconds, one aggravated assault occurs every 35 seconds, one robbery is committed every 60 seconds, and one forcible rape occurs every 2 minutes. It is predicted that 1 out of every 5 homes in America will be the target of a home invasion. That is more than 8000 per day. Bad economic times contribute to increases in crime, and many home invasions are now being committed in broad daylight when residents are at home. There is no part of the city or countryside that is exempt from this trend. It occurs in large cities and on rural country lanes. Many burglars are addicts looking for prescription drugs to take or sell, jewelry, guns, electronics, cash and other valuables. Most are well-armed and a sickening statistic is that many innocent homeowners are severely injured or killed as a result of these crime sprees. With violent crime becoming ever more violent, the days of a large dog deterring intruders is long gone.

Many home owners are installing fencing as a security measure, but unless you like the looks of a ten foot high chain link fortress with barbed wire topping, what are your options? The old saying, "Fences only keep honest people out" has never been more truthful.

There is a way to protect your home with attractive vinyl fencing and still be assured of top-notch security. Ask a reliable fence contractor to install a CCTV, closed-circuit television security system. CCTV has been around since 1942 when it was developed in Germany to observe the launching of V-2 rockets.

The British, in true James Bond fashion, immediately took to the technology and used it first in their financial institutions as an attempt to thwart bank robberies. It is now estimated that in the U.K. there is one camera for every 14 people. CCTV made its first appearance in the U.S. in Orlean, New York in 1968 as a tool in fighting street crime.

A fencing contractor will be able to help you decide what level of system will best suit your needs. Some are quite inexpensive, starting around $300. With a properly installed CCTV security system, you will be able to monitor your front and back doors, garage area, children's play area, mailbox, driveway and more. Why pay a substantial monthly fee to a large surveillance or security company when you can install your own system for much less money? Your fencing contractor will instruct you in how to operate your system , complete with intercom, keypad or card access. With a properly installed state-of-the-art security system in place, and a computer, you will have the ability to monitor your property from anyplace in the world. Secure your property and the ones you love. When considering new vinyl fencing, add an affordable CCTV system for ultimate peace of mind.