Vivint, the largest home automation services company in North America, is protecting homes and families against rising rates of property crime and home intrusions.

According to a recent report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the rate of total property crime across the United States between 2010 and 2011 increased 11 percent, from 125.4 to 138.7 victimizations per 1,000 households during the calendar year. Household burglary increased 14 percent, from 25.8 to 29.4 victimizations per 1,000 households. In addition, violent crimes (rape or sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated and simple assault) increased 17 percent during the same period, from 19.3 to 22.5 victimizations per 1,000 persons age 12 or older.

“Unfortunately, Americans today face a greater risk of being a victim of crime,” said Alex Dunn, Vivint’s chief operating officer. “The Vivint Home Automation system is a first line of defense in preventing property crimes and home intrusions.”

Kelly Fisher of Brooklyn Park, Minn., knows firsthand the pain of being a victim of crime.

“Until you have gone through a burglary, you can never understand what a family has to endure and continues to endure for a very long time,” Fisher said. “Vivint truly helped us through that time and well into the future. Not only do we feel safer, but we also receive a discount on our homeowner’s insurance."

With the Vivint home automation system, customers can remotely view live video feeds of their home from a smart-phone or computer. They can also control door locks, thermostats, lighting features, alarms, motion detectors and a variety of sensors.

Sue Hall of Moses Lake, Wash., recalls the day when her Vivint system prevented a burglary.

“The intruder tried using a crowbar to open our garage door, but our alarm scared him away,” Hall said. “The police said we were lucky because most people don't have an alarm on their garage doors, especially on a detached garage. The police added that even if a burglar sees an alarm sign on the lawn, they often don't think the garage is armed. Our Vivint system prevented a burglary."

The Vivint home automation system can be programmed to send alerts to smart phones when specific events occur, like if a window is broken or when exterior doors are opened. Keyless locks can be programmed with personalized entry codes for family members or even neighbors. The locks can be programmed to send a text message when a code is entered so customers know exactly who is coming and going, and when.

With a one-time activation fee, plus a monthly monitoring charge, Vivint’s home automation system provides simple, affordable management. The Vivint system can manage thermostats, lighting features and small appliances. Customers can also add or subtract products to create a unique package that meets the needs of their homes, families and lives. To learn more about Vivint’s fire safety, home security and home automation products, visit www.vivint.com.

About Vivint

Vivint is a leading provider of home technology services. Vivint services are delivered through a technology-based platform that integrates a wide range of wireless features and components to provide simple, affordable home security, energy management, home automation and solar solutions. Our vision is to connect customers to the things that matter most—their homes, families, health, cars and businesses. In 2011, Vivint's Home Automation package and Advanced Security package received a Consumers Digest "Best Buy" rating. Vivint also received the 2012 CSAA Central Station of the Year award for overall excellence in monitoring, training and quality relationships with customers. Dedicated to protecting families, increasing energy efficiency and simplifying lives, Vivint has over 13 years of experience and supports more than 675,000 customers throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.vivint.com.