The quiet revolution that made your home, car, and wallet a lot safer

The US has seen a remarkable decline in property crime, including burglary and robbery, over the past three decades. Since 1990, these crimes have fallen by more than 80 percent nationwide, with the overall property crime rate plummeting to its lowest level since national data began in 1976 – an even steeper drop than violent crime. Wealthy suburbs like Winnetka, where the classic Christmas movie Home Alone was set, have seen rates fall by over 60 percent.

So, what changed? The answer lies in a combination of factors. Firstly, homes and apartments are now harder to burglarize due to better locks, alarms, outdoor lighting, and increased security measures like controlled entry systems and doorbell cameras. These measures make burglary less profitable and more likely to fail. Secondly, the value of stolen goods has decreased significantly since 1990 due to advancements in technology, making it easier to track and disable electronics. Finally, the shift from cash-based transactions to digital payments has reduced the expected take for thieves.

The impact of these changes can be seen in the data. In 1990, there were an estimated 53 burglaries per 100,000 residents in Winnetka, a relatively low rate compared to other cities like Chicago. However, by 2024, this number had fallen to fewer than 1 burglary per 100,000 people – a staggering 95% decline.

While crime has decreased overall, it's essential to note that some types of property crimes have evolved and become more sophisticated. The rise of online scams, account takeovers, and identity fraud has led to significant financial losses for Americans. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, reported losses from internet-related crimes reached $16.6 billion in 2024.

In conclusion, the decline in property crime is a testament to the effectiveness of security measures and changes in consumer behavior. As our environment continues to evolve, it's crucial to stay vigilant and adapt to new forms of crime that may emerge.
 
🚨 I'm loving this trend of people being more cautious with their belongings 🤯. It's wild to think that homes in places like Winnetka used to have burglary rates that were 5 times higher than what we're seeing now! 💡 The fact that tech advancements have made it easier for authorities to track and disable stolen electronics is a huge win for law enforcement 👮‍♀️. But, I'm not sure if this means people are getting more sloppy with their online security 🤔 - those internet scams can be major financial headaches 😬. Anyways, it's great to see crime rates going down, and I hope we can keep that momentum going 💪.
 
omg did u see this stat 🤯? property crime has dropped by 80% since 1990! that's insane! 🤑 and its not just burglaries & robberies either, even wealthy suburbs like winnetka are seeing a 60% drop in rates 🏠💡 plus with digital payments & tech advancements, the value of stolen goods has gone way down too 📉 thats gotta be a big factor in all this. now i know some types of property crimes have evolved but online scams & identity fraud are pretty wild 😳 $16.6 billion lost to internet-related crimes alone?! that's crazy talk 🤑
 
I'm thinking maybe its because we're all just getting more cautious with our homes and belongings 🤔... like when you're out shopping and they got those little cameras at the door, you feel like your stuff is being watched? That's probably a big factor in people not wanting to mess with burglars. Plus, I mean, have you seen how much crap you can buy online nowadays? Like, 5 bucks for a phone charger that lasts forever 📈... makes it just not worth the hassle to steal. And don't even get me started on those digital payments... what's the point of risking your card info for some petty thief? 😒
 
OMG u think its just about adding better locks & alarms?? idk bout ur point but i think its also cuz ppl got wiser now lol they dont fall for online scams as easily as they used 2 n stuff 😂
 
🤔 I'm not surprised to hear about the decline in property crime rates over the past few decades. I mean, who wouldn't want to make their home or business a less appealing target for burglars? 🏠💡 The advancements in security measures like alarms and doorbell cameras have definitely made it harder for thieves to get away with something.

But at the same time, it's interesting to see how some types of property crimes have evolved to become more sophisticated. I mean, online scams and identity fraud are a whole different ball game 🤑👀. It's like they're playing a new game of cat and mouse, where the thieves are always adapting their tactics.

I'm glad that law enforcement is keeping up with these changes and finding ways to combat them. We need to stay vigilant as our environment continues to evolve and new forms of crime emerge 🚨💻. It's great to see the impact of security measures and consumer behavior coming together to make a real difference in reducing property crime rates 👍
 
🚨💔 I don't wanna be all gloomy but property crimes are down? Like what about mental health effects from living in a safer community? 🤯 People might feel like they're not being taken advantage of, but is it really a good thing? Don't get me wrong, security measures are great and all, but have you seen the latest news on cybersecurity breaches? Companies like Apple and Google got hacked just last year! 😱 And online scams are getting crazier by the day... $16.6 billion in losses? That's wild 🤯
 
🤔 I mean, can you believe how much crime has gone down? Like, 80% is crazy! I'm not surprised though, I've been hearing about these fancy security cameras and alarms for ages and it makes total sense that they'd make a difference. But what's wild is how the value of stolen goods has just plummeted. I mean, who wants to steal old electronics when you can just swipe some cash? 🤑 The internet scams are still super concerning though... $16.6 billion in losses is insane! We need to be more careful online and report these things ASAP. 👮‍♀️
 
🤔 I'm loving this trend! 80% drop in property crime over three decades? That's like something out of a spy movie (think Mission: Impossible) 😎. But seriously, it makes total sense that advancements in tech and security measures would make burglars think twice about breaking into homes. Those doorbell cameras are like a digital eye watching their every move 📺. And let's be real, who wants to risk getting caught up in an identity theft drama? 🙅‍♂️ The only downside is that online scams have become more prevalent, so we gotta stay on our toes. Maybe it's time for another ' cybersecurity thriller' movie? 💻
 
🤩 I mean, can you believe it? Property crimes have dropped by like 80% since 1990! That's crazy talk! 🚪 It's awesome to see how better locks, alarms, and security measures are making burglary less profitable for thieves. And with the value of stolen goods going down due to tech advancements, it's even harder for them to make a quick buck. 💸

I'm also loving that digital payments have reduced the expected take for thieves. It's like they're stuck in the dark ages trying to cash in on our online transactions 😂. And I'm glad we've got more resources now to deal with those online scams and identity thefts. $16.6 billion is a small price to pay for peace of mind, right? 🙏

Anyway, it's all about adapting and staying one step ahead of the scammers. Let's keep being safe and smart, and enjoy the security that comes with living in these amazing times! 💕
 
I think its kinda cool how people got smarter about protecting their homes & stuff! Better locks, alarms, and security cameras are a big deal 🚫💡. And yeah, technology has made it way easier for us to catch thieves too 🔍👮‍♂️. But on the flip side, online scams are getting more sneaky all the time 🤑😳. We gotta stay one step ahead and educate ourselves about those types of threats 💻🤔. Its also interesting that security measures have helped reduce property crime rates in rich suburbs like Winnetka 🏠👍. Maybe its a good idea for cities to invest more in community policing and youth programs too 💕🌈
 
I'm surprised they didn't mention how most burglaries are now solved thanks to those pesky doorbell cameras 📸 - I mean, if you're gonna break into someone's house, you better be prepared for a face full of security footage and the cops coming for you! 😂 And yeah, the shift to digital payments is huge, it basically made stealing from us obsolete. But let's not forget about online scams - those are still super prevalent 🤑 - I've got some friends who got hit by those phishing emails and trust me, they were not happy 😤
 
Its crazy thinkin about how much safer we are now compared to back in 90s I remember watchin Home Alone like 5 times when I was a kid lol. But for real though, its awesome to see property crimes takin a hit. I've lived in some neighborhoods where break ins were super common and its great to know that new tech measures like doorbell cameras and alarms are makin it harder for thieves.

Its also crazy how much valueless stuff we can get now with all the tech advancements 🤑. Thieves used to get away with swipin laptops and other electronics but now they're just not worth the hassle. Its also interesting to see that digital payments have reduced expected takings from thieves, thats a nice bonus too.

But on a sad note, online scams are super prevalent now and its really affectin people financially 🤕. We need to stay vigilant and make sure we're protectin ourselves online. Its all about adaptin to new forms of crime that come with evolution 😊
 
😊 I think it's really fascinating how the US has seen such a drastic decrease in property crime over the past few decades. The increased emphasis on home security measures like better locks, alarms, and doorbell cameras has definitely made burglary less appealing for potential thieves 🚫. Additionally, the shift to digital payments has reduced the financial gain for those who engage in these crimes 💸.

However, I do think it's essential to acknowledge that while property crime rates have decreased, new forms of cybercrime have emerged and are causing significant financial losses for Americans 📊. The FBI's report on internet-related crimes is a stark reminder that we need to remain vigilant and adapt to emerging threats 🤖.

I'm curious to know how law enforcement agencies plan to address these evolving threats and ensure public safety in the face of changing crime patterns 🚔.
 
I'm not sure if people are getting too comfortable with these low crime rates... I mean, 95% decline is crazy! 🤯 But what really gets me is that while property crimes are down, online scams and identity fraud are on the rise. It's like we're trading one kind of threat for another. 💻 $16.6 billion in losses from internet-related crimes? That's a lot of money to lose out on... And I'm not even mentioning the stress and anxiety that comes with worrying about your online security. 😬 We need to be vigilant, but can't just sit back and wait for the next scam to come along. 🚫
 
😊 This is wild - can you believe property crimes have dropped by 80% since '90? I mean, that's crazy! But what's really interesting is how law enforcement and homeowners have stepped up their game with security measures. Those doorbell cameras and controlled entry systems are genius moves. And it makes sense that the value of stolen goods has decreased with technology advancements - like, who can even afford to break into a house now? 🤣 Still, it's weird that online scams are becoming more common... how do we stay safe in this digital age? 💻
 
"yooo what's good fam? so like i was reading this article about how property crime in the US has been on a serious decline over the past 3 decades and i'm just here for it 💯 i mean, 80% less burglary and robbery since '90 is insane! but at the same time, it's also kinda scary that online scams are getting more sophisticated and people are losing like, billions of dollars each year 🤑🤯 what's the government gonna do about it? 💸 anyway, just saying, security measures and consumer behavior changes have clearly made a big impact, but we gotta stay on our toes for those new forms of crime 😎"
 
🤔 I mean, I'm glad to hear that property crimes are down, but 80% decline is crazy! 🚨 You can't just blame it on better locks and alarms, there must be more to it. Like what's up with these online scams and identity fraud? 🤑 It's like, we're not even safe from our screens anymore. And what about the rich suburbs like Winnetka? Is it really just a coincidence that they saw such a big drop in crime rates? Maybe they just got richer or something? 🤑😒
 
Meh, I'm not buying into this whole "security measures" thing 🤔. I mean, yeah, better locks and alarms are nice, but have you seen how many smart homes and gadgets are just waiting to be hacked? 🚪 It's like, we're creating a world where tech is supposed to make our lives easier, but really it's just making us more vulnerable. And don't even get me started on these doorbell cameras – what's next, someone showing up at your doorstep because you didn't secure that thing right? 😳

And have you seen the rise of online scams and identity theft? 🤑 It's like we're being sold a bill of goods and told it's all part of some grand security plan. But really, it's just us playing catch-up with these tech-savvy thieves. I'm not saying crime rates aren't going down, but let's not forget that there's still plenty of evil out there lurking in the shadows 🔍.
 
🌟 just saw this stat on property crime rates in the US and I'm blown away by how much they've dropped! Like, 80% fewer burglaries since 1990 is insane 🤯. And it's not just burglary, robbery rates have plummeted too 🚫. But here's the thing - while we're doing better at protecting our physical stuff, some types of property crimes are getting smarter 😬. Online scams and identity fraud are becoming a huge issue now 💸. So, let's keep up the good work on security measures and consumer awareness, but also stay ahead of these new threats 📊💻
 
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