In this article
An independent survey of 500 New Jersey homeowners commissioned by BGS Security has revealed significant security gaps across the state. The research, conducted in March 2026 via Pollfish, examined system adoption, daily security practices, alarm readiness, and the obstacles keeping homeowners from investing in protection.
System Adoption
33.4% of respondents reported having no security infrastructure whatsoever. Only 25.8% have a professionally monitored alarm system, while an additional 26.6% have security cameras without any alarm capability.
Income level proved to be an unreliable predictor of adoption. Cost remained the top-cited barrier at 30.4% across all income brackets — including among homeowners earning over $100,000 annually.
Daily Security Habits
The survey also uncovered everyday habits that leave homes exposed:
- 45.6% of homeowners occasionally leave without verifying that doors are locked; 11.4% do this several times a week.
- 22% keep a hidden spare key outside their home, and 26% of that group has no alarm system at all.
- 17.2% could not recall the last time they checked their ground-floor window locks — and half of that group has no security system.
Alarm Preparedness
Among homeowners who do have alarm systems, 35% said they lacked a clear emergency response plan. When asked what they would do in the first 60 seconds after an alarm activation, many respondents indicated uncertainty.
Separately, 24% reported leaving their home unattended for three or more days without notifying a neighbor or arranging monitoring — and 38.3% of that group has no alarm system in place.
Barriers to Adoption
Homeowners cited several reasons for not investing in a security system:
- Cost — 30.4%
- Neighborhood safety perception — 19.8%
- Never seriously considered it — 18.6%
- Insufficient knowledge about implementation — 11.2%
About the Survey
The survey included 500 screened New Jersey homeowners, with a margin of error of ±4.4% at a 95% confidence level. The full 2026 NJ Home Security Reality Report is available through BGS Security.
Originally published on EIN Presswire.