The element of surprise may accompany home burglaries, but are they truly unforeseeable? Not quite. While criminals do possess an opportunistic nature, their actions are far from haphazard. They carefully analyze and exploit well-known vulnerabilities. Numerous patterns exist regarding homes targeted for burglary and other criminal activities. By understanding criminals’ strategies, you can proactively safeguard yourself, your loved ones, and your property.
The Absence of Home Security Indicators
A lack of visible security measures is the first characteristic that criminals seek in a potential target. Consider this: a staggering thirty percent (30%) of all burglaries are directed at the mere four percent (4%) of homes with no security measures! This statistic is anything but coincidental. Moreover, the more advanced security technologies you implement, the lower the likelihood of your home falling prey to burglary.
Homes with noticeable signs of security precautions, such as video doorbells, video surveillance systems, and alarm systems, serve as potent deterrents since they significantly heighten the chances of apprehension. No criminal wishes to face capture.
Homes Offering Easy Entry
Criminals find homes with easily accessible entry points, particularly enticing. Unlocked windows and doors on the ground floor are the most common means for burglars to gain access.
Ideal Location
Criminals tend to concentrate their efforts on homes situated in low-traffic areas, where the likelihood of encountering vigilant neighbors who would promptly report any criminal activity is minimal.
Familiar Territory
The frequency of prior burglaries in a given neighborhood directly correlates with the chances of your home becoming a target. Burglars tend to focus on areas where they have previously succeeded, possibly due to their familiarity with the layout of the houses or the scarcity of home security systems within the vicinity.
Opportunities to Conceal
Criminals search for homes with ample hiding spots to facilitate their illicit actions and shield their identities. Overgrown vegetation, tall walls, and other physical obstructions provide cover, enabling criminals to enter and exit undetected.
The Telltale Absence of Activity
A home devoid of activity acts as a magnet for criminal endeavors. Accumulated newspapers or uncollected mail, the absence of illuminated lights, and an overall lack of unpredictable signs indicating human presence signify to potential criminals that your home is an ideal target.
Exploiting Social Media
Criminals are not exempt from social media usage; they, too, are active participants. For them, social media platforms represent the perfect tool to narrow down their list of potential targets. All it takes is a rough idea of your location and access to Google Street View for them to begin surveying your residence. Check-in applications and vacation photos posted online serve as beacons to the world, signaling that you are away and that your home is ripe for exploitation.
What Are The Most Common Entry Points For Burglars?
The most common entry points for burglars are doors and windows. Doors are the most common entry point because they are the most accessible and provide the most direct route into a home. Windows are also a popular entry point because they can be easily accessed from the outside and can be broken to gain entry. Burglars often target homes with weak or outdated locks and homes with easily accessible windows or doors.
Top Home Burglary Facts
- In the United States, a home burglary occurs every 23 seconds (U.S. Department of Justice).
- On average, a home burglary results in a loss of $2,416 (U.S. Department of Justice).
- Approximately 30% of all burglaries are committed by someone the victim knows (U.S. Department of Justice).
- In 2018, there were an estimated 1,654,660 burglaries in the United States (FBI).
- Approximately 66% of burglaries occur in residential areas (FBI).
- Approximately 34% of burglaries occur in non-residential areas (FBI).
- Approximately 74% of burglaries are forcible entry (FBI).
- Approximately 26% of burglaries are unlawful entries (FBI).
- Approximately 75% of burglaries occur during the day (FBI).
- Approximately 25% of burglaries occur during the night (FBI).
What Are The Most Common Items Stolen In Home Burglaries?
The most common items stolen in home burglaries are small, portable items that can be easily taken and quickly sold for cash. These items include electronics such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, jewelry, cash, and firearms. Electronics are some of the most common items stolen in home burglaries. Laptops, tablets, and smartphones are all easy to grab and can be quickly sold for cash.
What Are The Best Ways To Secure My Home Against Burglars?
Invest in a Security System: Investing in a home security system is one of the best ways to secure your home against burglars. Security systems can be wired or wireless, including motion sensors, door and window sensors, cameras, and more. Many security systems can be monitored remotely, allowing you to monitor your home even when you’re away.
2. Install Smart Locks: Smart locks are a great way to secure your home.
3. Similar occupancy with home automation systems.
4. Install a visible video surveillance system.
5. Remove ways to hide such as high bushes or walls.
ATS has been a leader in commercial and residential security since 1984. If you have any questions regarding minimizing your home’s vulnerability to criminal activities, contact us today! 414-476-4200
