Illinois’ occupational licenses make it easier for holiday burglars

Illinois’ burdensome licensing for security alarm installers discourage potential workers, potentially making Illinois an easier target for burglars such as the Grinch or the Wet Bandits from “Home Alone.”

Illinois’ burdensome job licensing process makes it harder to become a security alarm installer, meaning holiday thieves such as the Grinch or the Wet Bandits from “Home Alone” might find burglary easier here than in neighboring states.

Security alarm installers in Illinois must pay a $317 fee, take an exam and lose an estimated 1,095 days to experience and education requirements. No other state in the Midwest ranks as badly as Illinois for the burden of licensing security alarm installers.

On top of three years of experience, Illinois requires installers be at least 21, tied with Michigan for the highest in the nation. Of the 37 states  and Washington, D.C., that require a license for installing security alarms, 21 set their minimum age at 18 and 12 don’t have a minimum age.

Most Midwestern states do not even require a license to install security alarms. With crime climbing in Chicago, burdensome barriers to improving security in homes and businesses is something the state should reduce.

Lawmakers have a chance when they return in January to gift professionals with an easier career and protect more residents’ presents from burglars.