How to prevent house burglary
Home burglary: Common tricks burglars use and how you can prevent break-ins
If you're worried about having your home broken into, you're not alone. According to a recent study by Safewise, burglary is the most feared property crime. And that fear isn't baseless: statistics from the FBI show that break-ins are common occurrences in the US, with more than 1.1 million burglaries in 2019. Some might be surprised to learn that more burglaries occurred during the day than at night. The average loss from those burglaries was $2,661.
To understand how and why burglaries happen -- and how you can help prevent them -- I talked to James Lynch, a professor and former chair of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Maryland. Many of the insights he provided were surprisingly simple and helpful.
Here's how burglars break into homes, and how to help limit the risk of being burglarized.
Most common methods burglars use to break in homes
While it may sound simple, the most common way burglars enter homes is through an unlocked door or window. This is according to a survey of 86 inmates convicted of burglary, conducted by KGW-TV in Portland, Oregon.
"Professional burglars who have some skills will pick a target not just because it's vulnerable, but also because it's more likely to have the type of belongings that could easily be turned into cash," Lynch said.
"If there's evidence of affluence, where a burglar could get a good return on their investment, that type of home will attract burglars," Lynch continued. "But it depends on the burglar's level of sophistication. Some will go around without much planning and try doors until they find one that's open."
When doors and windows were locked, burglars surveyed said they preferred kicking in the door as opposed to breaking a window. Kicking a door in makes less noise than broken glass and doesn't pose a safety risk to the burglar.
Single-family homes in the middle of the street are more likely to be broken into than homes on the corner. This may be due to the greater visibility corner homes have.
Conversely, in apartment buildings, Lynch pointed out that corner units with two sides of exposure have a greater likelihood of getting hit than units with only one side of exposure.
Studies in the UK point to a pattern of repeat victimization. "If you were burglarized once, there's a good chance you'll be burglarized again within the next 10 days," said Lynch. "There are two theories on this pattern. One is the burglars saw something they couldn't take the first time so they come back for it. The second is they've already found a way to gain entrance or get past your security and they want to capitalize on that before you have a chance to repair your door or window."
This pattern holds for near-repeat victimization. For instance, if the house next door gets burglarized, the probability of your house getting burglarized increases, according to Lynch.
"These patterns are consistent with burglary as an occupation," Lynch said.
In addition to doors and windows, accessing your home through your attached garage is another method burglars use.
People often leave the door from the house to the garage unlocked and may not be as diligent about securing garage windows and walk-in doors.
Simple as it seems, locking your door is one of the easiest ways to protect your house from break-ins.
Tyler Lizenby/CNETHow you can stop home break-ins from happening to you
There are several steps you can take to protect your home, loved ones and belongings from burglars. But the most important step is to secure your doors and windows.
Locks
As simple as locking doors and windows sounds, a survey by YouGov showed that 7% of Americans surveyed do not lock their doors when they go out, and 23% do not lock them when they're home. Locked doors and windows provide an added deterrent for break-ins.
"If people would just lock their doors and windows, that would prevent a lot of burglaries," Lynch said.
Another tip is to rekey your locks when you first move in: You don't know who the previous owner gave keys to.
By rekeying your locks, you can know and control who has access to your home. This can also give you the opportunity to improve the quality of your locks. The Orlando Police Department recommends double-cylinder deadbolt locks.
For even more security, consider installing secondary locks on your windows. A track lock on vinyl or aluminum windows can prevent the window from freely moving up and down. And if you have an attached garage, be sure to lock the house door that accesses the garage.
Read also: Best smart locks for you
Doors
Exterior doors should be solid enough that they're difficult to kick open. They should not have windows that can be broken, giving a burglar access to the lock. Install peepholes at eye level on both your front and back doors, and check them before opening your door to visitors.
Security systems
One of the best ways to deter burglars is with security cameras and home alarm systems.
In the KGW survey, burglars said security cameras made them less likely to target a residence. They also said they would leave the property immediately if an alarm sounded.
As part of your security system, you may also want to install motion-activated lights. Having a well-lit exterior will help keep burglars away at night.
"There is a high positive correlation between having a security system and preventing burglaries," said Lynch. "If you don't have a home security system and you've been burglarized, it would be worth investing in one so you don't become a repeat victim."
These basic tactics are the best research-based methods for preventing burglaries.
Considering buying home security cameras? Check out our coverage of the best security devices on the market, including the best cheap security cameras, the best indoor and outdoor security cameras, the best wireless security cameras, the best video doorbell cameras and much more.
How to Prevent Burglary: 10 Tips from a Burglar
From Spotlight: Home Cleaning Tips That’ll Put More Happy in Your Holidays
Don’t come home to a nightmare and the feeling of being invaded.
Here how to stop a house burglary from ever happening.
You come home to an open front door, a ransacked house, and missing valuables. How did a burglar know you’d be gone? How did they get in?
Here are nine tips from a burglar's perspective about how to keep them out. And try these home security tips to prevent burglary, too.
#1 Put Ladders Away
Call me a social climber if you will, but I love ladders. They make it so easy to reach a second-story window. I really love it when upper story openings aren’t wired to a home security system.
So, if you want to keep me out, store your ladder in the basement or a locked garage. And call your security company to wire upper-story windows into your alarm system.
#2 Don't Make Your Trash So Visible
Can’t tell you how much fun I have driving around neighborhoods on trash day (especially after big gift holidays) when the empty boxes on the curb reveal what wonderful new toys you have.
That made it possible for me to land a new laptop and a flat-screen TV in one easy trip to your home!
Next time, break down the boxes and conceal them in the recycling or trash bins.
#3 Keep Shrubs Trimmed
Oh, how I love overgrown shrubs and trees. A wonderful place to hide before I break in and grab all your cool stuff.
Trim back bushes and trees near windows and doors. Make sure entry points to your home are easily visible from the street. I much prefer to work in private. While you’re at it, install motion-sensor lighting.
#4 Be Sure Your Exterior Doors Are Steel
A plain wood-panel door is an invitation. I have no trouble kicking it in.
You may want to install steel-wrapped exterior doors with deadbolts on all your entries. And be sure your windows are locked when you’re away.
#5 Watch Where You Hang Mirrors
You’d be surprised how many homeowners position a mirror in their entry hall so I can see from a window if the alarm system is armed.
A little free advice: Relocate the mirror so your alarm system isn’t visible if someone peers through a window.
#6 Have Someone Attend to Your Home When You're Away
Wow, isn’t it amazing how fast the grass grows? An uncut lawn, unshoveled sidewalks, packages on the porch or in the yard, and shades always closed scream, "I'm empty. Come inside!"
Hire someone you trust to mow or shovel regularly, pick up around the porch and doorstep, open and close various window shades, and turn different lights on and off (or put a few on timers). One more thing: Lock any car you leave in the driveway, or I can use your garage door opener to get in quickly.
#7 Don't Put Valuables in an Easy-Carry Case
I can carry that right out your back door.
You may want to invest in a wall safe, which I rarely attempt to open. Or, rent a lock box at your bank.
It's quite likely that I'm a friend of a friend of yours in the interwebs. And through them, I may discover you're away for the week in Paris, having the time of your life.
And I'll have the time of my life ransacking your place.
If only you had known that posting comments and photos of your trip on social networks is fine — as long as you do that after you return, so you won't broadcast your absence.
#9 Inviting People to Your Home to See Stuff You're Selling
You're downsizing. Great! Selling a bunch of stuff like TVs, computers, jewelry. I just have to call you up, and when you invite me to your home, I just grab the items and run.
It's called “robbery by appointment.” If you want to sell high-ticket items to strangers, I suggest you arrange to meet at the parking lot of your local police station. I definitely won’t show up, and you’ll still have your valuables.
For more tips, see our list of low-cost tricks to fool burglars. Did you know there's a gizmo that mimics the glow of a TV?
More in Finances & Taxes
how to prevent your home from being burglarized
What is the first thing you think of when you hear that someone's home has been burglarized? Usually the first thing that comes to mind is that the owner of the house should have installed an alarm or some kind of security system to prevent this.
Unfortunately, many people who do not have security systems or video surveillance systems are at risk.
Often, the person who robs your house is someone who has already been inside it before and knows exactly what awaits him inside. However, most criminals will not even enter a home if they are in doubt about the security measures in the home. This includes dogs, alarm systems, video surveillance systems, and even weapons. If a burglar has a chance of getting into your home, he can quickly assess the situation and remember what obstacles will come his way. nine0003
Here are a few things you can do to help prevent an attack on your home:
1. Be vigilant when allowing anyone into your home
I recently received a letter from my utility company warning me not to let anyone into my home who says who ostensibly works for a public utility. The letter said that utility workers would never ask permission to enter your home without prior notice, and that all workers had an ID they were required to show.
If there is no appointment, there is no reason to come into your house. Fortunately, I have a huge dog, Luna, who lives in the backyard and most people, when they see her, are intimidated by her size and fierce look, instantly knowing that it is better to stay away. nine0003
If you don't have a big beast that will show off its set of sharp teeth to an intruder, the following tips will help keep your home safe from burglary.
2. Don't let anyone go inside to use your toilet or phone
Just imagine this scenario. You hire a company to mow your lawn, but you can't know exactly who they are. One day, one of the men asks to use your bathroom, and you kindly give him this opportunity. I'd like to suggest that you never let anyone you don't know enter your home, but some people are too well-mannered and don't want to be seen as rude, so they say no. It's your right to say no, just remember it. However, if you do decide to trust them, be sure to check the bathroom windows when they leave.
Burglars may ask you to use your toilet and unlock the window lock so they can come back later and easily enter your house. If you don't have alarms with sensors on your windows, you wouldn't know that they could open the window and get into your house until it's too late. If they had to break a window, you would notice it when you got home and saw the broken glass, so most burglars will try to find a way not to. nine0003
3. Pay attention to what is in the yard of your house
If you have good things in the yard, it is easy to understand what level of things are inside the house. By allowing your kids to leave their good toys outside the house, for example, you can give the burglar a hint that you have even more interesting toys: game consoles, expensive electronics, and more. This shows how much money you have and makes you a more targeted target.
Burglars may also notice if you have a lot of flyers or newspapers in your mailbox. This will make it clear that you have not been home for a long time.
Ask a trusted neighbor to pick up your newspapers or mail if you are away. nine0003
In winter it is easy to understand that no one is at home if there are no footprints in the snow. Ask your neighbors to take care of this by clearing the snow in front of your house
4. Set your alarm wisely
If you decide to install an alarm in your house, make sure that the keyboard is not near the windows. Using the zoom function of the camera, it is very easy to see from the opposite side of the street what combination of numbers the owner of the house is typing on the keyboard.
In addition, the security firm must ensure that your motion sensors are installed correctly and that every window in your home has a sensor. If a burglar wants to break into your home, he will use every means possible to do so. nine0003
5. Pretend you're at home
Most burglars will want to make sure no one is home. They may knock on the door and, if you open it, offer you some service or simply ask for directions.
Be careful.
If you are not at home, you can use special devices that will imitate your presence in the house. There is a device called FakeTV that mimics the light from a working TV. You can even set it to a timer. nine0003
If you have a DVR and surveillance cameras, you can set up your cameras so that they can notify you if someone is in or near your home. Surveillance cameras can use the motion detection function, and the DVR can have a function that allows you to send a notification to you by e-mail or to any smart device. Based on it, you can decide whether or not to call the police. Most DVRs can also be integrated with your alarm system, motion detection on the camera can trigger an alarm. Thus, you will not need to buy motion sensors in addition to the video surveillance system. Just make sure the DVR you buy has alarm inputs and outputs on the back. nine0003
6. Burglars can look inside through the window
Remember that leaving the blinds open is another opportunity for burglars to look inside and see if anyone is home.
Try to keep your curtains closed as soon as the sun goes down so burglars can't peek through your windows.
Thorns near your windows can also be a deterrent, preventing you from getting close to your windows to look inside. nine0003
7. Keep windows and doors locked
Believe it or not, some people leave their doors and windows open when they leave their homes. And I used to do that when I was too lazy to check everything before I left, even if it would only take a little time. Some burglars will knock on doors, if no one answers they will pull the doorknob and if it's unlocked they will just walk into your house.
8. Don't tell everyone you're far from home
Recently, many people have been posting on the Internet that they're going on vacation or sending photos directly from vacation spots. If you do not have your own video surveillance system, announcing your departure on the Internet, you can easily make yourself the target of a robbery.
nine0003
As you can see, there are many different things you can do to make sure your home doesn't get robbed.
Source: securitycameraking.com. The translation of the article was done by the site administrator Elena Ponomarenko.
How to prevent the robbery of a country house
Every city dweller dreams of becoming a happy owner of a country house. After all, you really want to take a break from the hubbub of the streets, busy highways, and spend time in nature, with family and friends. nine0067 Unfortunately, the owners cannot regularly visit their suburban properties. Therefore, cottages often become a profit for thieves. To prevent such a nuisance, specific precautions are needed. The more difficulties overtake them, the more likely it is that the criminals will change their minds about robbing you.
Start your home defense with a fence. It must be strong, reliable and at least 2 meters in height. Along the end of the fence, on the reverse side, stretch the barbed wire.
There should be no gaps between the gate leaves. Lock the gate with mortise locks - they are more reliable. After all, padlocks are easy to remove using a crowbar or a sledgehammer. Country houses usually have front and rear entrances. Equip the entrances with a vestibule of two identical pairs of doors. And the first is made of wood, and the second is made of metal. You need to take care of good locks and jambs. In such cases, thieves will spend a lot of time and effort opening a wooden door, and when they get to the second one (made of metal), and even with a crossbar lock, they can abandon the idea of robbery. Modern double-glazed windows should not be considered invulnerable - experienced criminals open or knock out with a mount. Overhead roller shutters can be dismantled without problems, since they are installed outside the window, and fastened with different screws, and impregnable, at first glance, window grilles are removed with pliers for cutting reinforcement. nine0003
Roller shutters are the safest option.
This system crashes into the walls of the window opening. Roller shutters require a major redesign to install, so consider installing them when designing your home.
High hatches and windows, technical doors, attic windows also need protection - this is a good opportunity to break into the house, especially if the robbers are in good physical shape.
Close the attic windows with lockable roller shutters, place the hatches in a steel frame and install a good lock on them. Close hatches and doors leading to the basement from the inside and reinforce with a frame made of steel corners. nine0003
If the garage is combined with the house, or located in the basement of the building, you need to restrict access to it. Block the entrance to the garage with sliding or lifting shutters, or garage shutters. For greater reliability - equip the sash with a crossbar lock.
Close buildings for household purposes with strong ceilings for windows and doors.
Surveillance and control systems are imitation and real.
You can imitate tracking by installing faulty or cheap cameras in the country, equipping them with LEDs on the battery in the case of each surveillance camera. nine0003
It doesn't hurt to install real video surveillance by placing hidden wireless infrared cameras inside the house. Robbers will not be able to find it, due to the lack of cables.
Equip a vestibule between the doors with a siren. It needs to be connected to a motion sensor. The sharp, continuous sound of a siren when you open the first door can really scare the thieves, causing them to run away from your country house!
Perhaps the intruders will not be stopped by the above measures, and they will not abandon their intention to take possession of your property - a GSM alarm will come to the rescue. The security service or the police will detain dark personalities by informing the owner of the house about the intrusion. But the alarm is powered by electricity or battery backup, and experienced thieves know this.
