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If you’re already thinking of purchasing a home security system, you probably don’t need much convincing to make the investment. But if you’re on the fence about the matter, we can offer up some statistics about crime in the United States to give you more perspective.
Imagine you’re a burglar scanning a neighborhood. You’re not looking for a challenge; you’re seeking the easiest target – a home that appears unoccupied, unsecured, and unmonitored. Understanding what makes a house appealing to burglars can help homeowners take proactive steps to deter them. So let’s take a walk on the wild side and consider…
The Burglar’s Perspective
You’re driving through an upscale neighborhood on a Monday morning, looking for possible targets. A few children’s bikes are scattered in one front yard, a dog is barking through the gate of another. You move on to two houses with no cars and no dogs visible near their driveways. These houses are identical in almost all respects, but only one has a security sign posted prominently near the front door. Immediately, you focus your attention on the neighboring house. No sign? No problem.
Most burglars are opportunistic. A study by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte found that 60% of convicted burglars would avoid homes with visible security systems, and 83% would attempt to determine if an alarm was present before proceeding.
Indicators That Attract Burglars
Still in your car, you examine the house more closely. There’s a package on the front step and a couple overgrown bushes that shield the front porch from view. You couldn’t have asked for a better spot.
Burglars look for signs that a home is unoccupied or lacks security. We already know that homes without alarm systems or visible security cameras make more attractive targets. Other factors that make a house more enticing include:
- Overgrown Landscaping: Tall bushes or trees can provide cover for burglars.
- Accumulated Mail or Packages: A buildup of mail or packages suggests the homeowners are away.
- Lack of Outdoor Lighting: Poorly lit exteriors make it easier for burglars to approach unnoticed.
Common Entry Points
You stride up to the house, checking for cameras or smart doorbells. You knock on the front door, waiting for an answer. When no one responds, you check the knob to see if it’s locked.
Remember, the name of the game is “opportunity.” Believe it or not, the majority of burglars enter through an unlocked front door. According to ADT, 34% of break-ins occur without the thieves needing to “break” anything; they just walk right in. A camera positioned at the front door can be an immediate deterrent for these would-be thieves.
According to the same report, another 23% of burglars gain access via first-floor windows. Twenty-two percent use the back door and nine percent enter through the garage. All these spots are common locations to install motion sensors.
Timing of Burglaries
Once inside the home, you listen for dogs or the sudden blare of an alarm. Hearing nothing, you check the time. Whoever lives here has probably left for work. Maybe they’re dropping off their kids at school or running errands. Either way, you’ve got plenty of time to snoop around.
Contrary to popular belief, most burglaries occur during the day. Sure, it’s more dramatic to depict a break-in at night in films and television, but that’s when the homeowners are actually, y’know, home.
In an interview with 86 convicted burglars, most reported that they preferred to break into a home in the early morning or early afternoon. One claimed, “Between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm. Anyone that was home for lunch should be gone by then and most kids should all still be in school.”
Break-ins are more common during weekdays, according to one Oklahoma City report, with police receiving most 911 calls for burglaries on Mondays.
How Modern Security Systems Deter Burglars
So now that we understand the criminal mindset a little better, what can we do to prevent a break in? Implementing a comprehensive security system can significantly reduce the risk of burglary. Consider the following:
- Visible Security Cameras and Signage – Installing security cameras and displaying alarm system signs can deter potential intruders. The UNC Charlotte study found that visible deterrents are effective in discouraging burglaries.
- Smart Doorbells – Smart doorbells with video capabilities allow homeowners to monitor visitors and receive alerts, providing real-time surveillance and recording capabilities.
- Motion-Activated Lighting – Installing motion-activated lights around entry points can startle and expose intruders, making them think twice before proceeding.
- Monitored Alarm Systems – Monitored systems alert authorities when a breach is detected, ensuring a swift response. Homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be burglarized.
- Smart Home Integration – Integrating security systems with smart home technology allows homeowners to control lights, locks, and alarms remotely, giving the appearance of occupancy even when away.
U.S. Burglary Statistics
The U.S. Department of Justice reports that burglaries tend to spike in the summer months, a time when many families leave their homes and go on vacation. Overall, some 2.5 million burglaries occur each year in the United States, with 66% of those being residential break-ins. Only 13% of those burglaries are solved by the police, often due to lack of evidence or witnesses.
Conclusion
Understanding what burglars look for can help homeowners take proactive measures to protect their property. Implementing a comprehensive security system with visible deterrents, smart technology, and monitored services can significantly reduce the risk of burglary and provide peace of mind.
If you’re interested in learning more about security solutions or need assistance in choosing the right system for your home, the agents at SmarterHome.ai can help you today!
