Mexico City Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera says at least three of every 10 violent crimes in Mexico City are committed with toy weapons.

Every security system is a crime-fighting tool; that is where the industry’s efforts should be. It is ironic that as security systems evolve into more sophisticated appliances, their value is becoming more muddled. On the one hand, a broader platform gives security dealers more hooks — lighting automation, energy management, and remote connectivity are a few — with which to sell to consumers.