Hometown pride runs deep in “The Greatest City in America,” and for a good reason. Baltimore may be only the 26th largest city in the United States, but it’s also among the country’s most historic and vibrant places to call home. Consider it the best-kept secret of the eastern seaboard, where big-city commerce meets small-town charm.

Whether they’re rooting for the Orioles or Ravens, spending a day at the races at Pimlico, shopping at the Inner Harbor, enjoying a crab cake dinner or reflecting on the city’s dramatic history as told through its numerous statues and landmarks, Baltimoreans know how to have fun. But like any other city in the world, Baltimore does have its share of crime. Fortunately, Baltimore’s families have no reason to worry while they take in the sights and sounds of Charm City with a home security system to keep an eye on everything back home.

Although the homicide rate in Baltimore has risen to record levels in recent years, the 2018 FBI Crime Report indicates that residents of Baltimore are more than twice as likely to experience property crimes than violent crimes. In particular, larceny-theft proved the most common property-related offense to occur in the city. The 2018 breakdown of property crimes include:

• 16,794 instances of larceny-theft
• 6,048 instances of burglary
• 5,364 instances of aggravated assault
• 5,066 instances of robbery
• 4,375 instances of motor vehicle theft

1st Security USA offers high-quality home security devices with a special focus on home automation. Control your lights, thermostat, door locks and more via a touch-sensitive control panel or mobile app. In addition to the modern equipment offered by 1st Security USA, perhaps the best benefit for Baltimoreans is the Maryland-based central monitoring station. Your security alarms and cameras are reviewed 24/7 by professionals in your local area, which can provide additional peace of mind.

• Guardian Security Systems provides video surveillance systems, fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and home alarm systems.
• Baltimore Alarm and Security has more than 50 years of experience installing and monitoring home security systems in the Baltimore and D.C. area.
• Westminster Security Company serves residential and commercial customers with a variety of automated security systems.
• A-1 Security Systems services all home security brands and offers local monitoring and home automation equipment.

Given the unique geographic location of the city, Baltimore’s home security companies are within driving distance of multiple states and metropolitan areas, including:

• Washington, D.C.
• Annapolis, MD
• Ellicott City, MD
• Towson, MD
• Columbia, MD
• Bel Air, MD
• Northern Virginia