Violent Crime Rundown by State: Texas

Robbery is one of the most common crimes in America -- a burglary (house robbery) occurs every 14 seconds or so in this country, according to Bureau of Crime statistics. Today we are looking at living in Texas, and how the state compares with violent crime statistics across the nation. We'll look at what a Houston burglar alarm or Houston security system may have saved many residents form this past year. All stats are for the 2008 period.

Overall Safety

Texas's overall violent crime rate is a slightly lower than the national average -- .374 compared to 0.378. We're right about average for the country -- home security systems are just as necessary here as anywhere else.

Robberies

Texas again lands up just shy of the national average for robberies, the figures for which include burglaries. There were 0.140 cases of robbery per capita in Texas in 2008, compared to the national average of 0.149.

Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault can also be a home security issue, and Texans are more vulnerable (marginally) than people in other states. The aggravated assault rate was 0.211 cases per capita, compared to 0.207 cases per capita nationwide.

Murders and Forcible Rape

These are often thought of as an outside-home security issue; however intruders have often been known to forcibly enter people's homes for these crimes. The Texas murder rate is 0.005, same as the national average, and the forcible rapes per capita are 0.019 compared to the national average of 0.017.

Best Dog Breeds for Guarding Your Home

As wonderful as monitored alarm systems are, they certainly don’t jump up and kiss you when you get home, put on a cute face, or keep you company while you're walking. That's where watchdogs serve a dual purpose -- they both alert you to the fact that someone is on your property (especially at times when you might not have the alarm system on, but are at home), and are your friends! Today we're looking at breeds that make good watchdogs for your home security -- both the standard choices and some that you mightn't expect.

1. Rottweilers

Rottweilers have a strong sense of their own territory, excellent hearing, and are protective of their family. They do need to be trained from an early age though, and will definitely need some socialization with other humans, otherwise you may find that your guests become hostage to your home security system's protectiveness.

2. Bull mastiffs

They are large and intimidating, don’t get on well with strangers, and are very loyal to their family and courageous in their defense. They try to knock intruders over and pin them to the ground -- perhaps a less dangerous type of watchdog than the Rottweiler, which bites first and asks questions later.

3. Chihuahua

It has often been observed that these dogs do not know their own size. They have a piercing bark and a keen sense for noises and strange people, which makes them excellent watchdogs. They are obviously not dangerous to guests and even children are safe around them.

4. Giant schnauzers

For those who love individual-looking dogs, the giant schnauzer is an excellent home security addition. They are very wilful and independent, so need firm and early training (try to buy them at around 5-6 weeks of age), and are very strong.

5. Yorkshire terrier

These relatively small dogs make excellent guard dogs for the same reasons that Chihuahuas do. They are loyal and love their families, and have a keen sense of hearing and an understanding of when strangers are around.

6. Standard poodles

They are highly intelligent -- actually the second most intelligent breed of dog in the world. Poodles can be easily trained to obey your commands about people -- so they will come to recognize approved guests, and will back down with the right words spoken by the right person. This makes them less dangerous than guard dogs like Rottweilers and German Shepherds. Just because they're curly doesn't mean they aren't good home security!