What's with all the Burglar Bars on the front doors? (Phoenix: high crime, houses)

[Kazoo2016]

We are considering for retirement next year towns outside Asheville, Portland and Phoenix. However, when we research Zillow photos, an awfully high percentage of nice homes in Prescott and the surrounding area have burglar bars, which to us is a major turn off. To a Chicago suburbanite like myself, it is code for "bad neighborhood".

Is it due to the rehab industry I've been reading about? My understanding is when a guy flunks the program and is kicked out, his only source of income is breaking and entering.

Thanks for clarifying.

[Zo-Nee]

Originally Posted by Kazoo2016

...it is code for "bad neighborhood".

Is it due to the rehab industry I've been reading about? My understanding is when a guy flunks the program and is kicked out, his only source of income is breaking and entering....

That's my thoughts as well.

[crad]

Check the crime statistics for Prescott, it's low. We came from the Chicago area too and by comparison crime in Prescott is non-existent. We don't have any burglar bars on our doors and windows, I'm not concerned one bit (tho we do have a home alarm system, some habits are hard to break). And I think the "rehab problem" in the area is overstated by some. Yeah, there's some vagrants around, but they're not that plentiful (nothing like some Chicago areas), and they never bother us. They mostly sit around quietly with signs asking for money, which I often will give if I have some singles on me. I never feel threatened anywhere I go, nor does my girlfriend. BTW, some laws were recently passed in AZ that allow cities to adopt tougher control over rehab houses, Prescott is working on a new ordinance to enact tougher regulations on local rehab facilities, I think the number of rehab homes will continue to drop (they've supposedly already dropped by 50% or so over the last year or two), and the ones which will remain should be the better managed ones under the new regulations.

Come and check the area out for yourself, we love it out here.

[Travelin Mann]

Many homeowners vent their homes in spring and fall by opening their doors, and the security doors provide security while doors are open. You will notice barred windows only in some commercial buildings and a few homes in certain areas. Note: near golf courses some windows are protected with mesh from errant balls.

Another factor is that many Prescott area homes are second homes and are often unoccupied for stretches. Yet, again, no major barring of windows. Yes, there are thriving businesses here for security alarm and surveillance and installers of security doors -- but we have no major crime wave, I assure you.

There may be safer areas here and areas less safe, and that's the case everywhere. On the whole, though, I consider the Prescott quad-city area way above average on safety for person and property. Don't be put off by the security doors.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Travelin Mann

Many homeowners vent their homes in spring and fall by opening their doors, and the security doors provide security while doors are open. You will notice barred windows only in some commercial buildings and a few homes in certain areas. Note: near golf courses some windows are protected with mesh from errant balls.

Another factor is that many Prescott area homes are second homes and are often unoccupied for stretches. Yet, again, no major barring of windows. Yes, there are thriving businesses here for security alarm and surveillance and installers of security doors -- but we have no major crime wave, I assure you.

There may be safer areas here and areas less safe, and that's the case everywhere. On the whole, though, I consider the Prescott quad-city area way above average on safety for person and property. Don't be put off by the security doors.

Exactly the reasons I was thinking of. It doesn't necessarily spell high crime at all.

[Hschlick84]

Where I live up in Pronghorn Ranch, there are a few security doors on the front entrance. We are actually getting one installed by Home Depot in a couple weeks, but I can tell you that crime is below average compared to most of the state.

[WSPHXPELON]

Just like how back in the 1950's you didnt need to lock your doors unless you lived in a "bad neighborhood". Times change and taking caution in your security measures does not define the character of your neighborhood.

[Kazoo2016]

Thank you for your insights. It did not occur to me that it was for venting. We're thinking of checking out Prescott over the holidays. Glad to learn they are getting a handle on the rehab houses situation. But if I did buy there I couldn't have the burglar bars on my front door!

[BriansPerspective]

Originally Posted by Kazoo2016

Thank you for your insights. It did not occur to me that it was for venting. We're thinking of checking out Prescott over the holidays. Glad to learn they are getting a handle on the rehab houses situation. But if I did buy there I couldn't have the burglar bars on my front door!

I've never thought of them as 'burglar bars'. They are security doors, and they're only used for cross-venting through the house during the cool summer nights. If someone really wanted to break in a house, they could just break a window. However, that's a death wish, since gun ownership is extremely high.

[Hschlick84]

Originally Posted by BriansPerspective

I've never thought of them as 'burglar bars'. They are security doors, and they're only used for cross-venting through the house during the cool summer nights. If someone really wanted to break in a house, they could just break a window. However, that's a death wish, since gun ownership is extremely high.

With gun ownership high, I guess people don't need to install home security such as ADT or Brinks.