This Is Missouri’s Top Security Habit—and It’s Odd

Having grown up in Missouri, I'm quite proud of the fact that my birth state can sometimes be kind of odd. The type of security measure that most in Missouri use for their home is also more than a bit surprising to me and maybe you, too.

I found this interesting little factoid buried inside the new ranking of the safest cities in Missouri by security company Safewise. Their article includes a unique perspective on how Missourians feel about their safety and what they do to improve it. They found the following:

• 27% of Missourians have been a victim of property crime in the past 8 months
• 30% have had a package stolen off of their doorstep
• 55% are genuinely concerned about the safety of their home

What are Missouri residents doing to protect their home?

Here are the top 3 security methods used by Missourians for their homes:

• 51% now use a security camera on their property
• 35% have a firearm for home protection
• 31% have a trained guard dog

If I had to guess, I would have thought that most in Missouri would choose a firearm as their #1 security method since most in my home state are packing heat. I also know many who have intimidating dogs present as a crime deterrent. The fact that the #1 security choice in Missouri is technology really surprises me. I'm a nerd and appreciate hi-tech, but I thought I was the minority. These new numbers prove I am not.