Burglary Prevention Tips

prevent burglaries

Home burglaries take place in every type of neighborhood, including nice neighborhoods. Law enforcement officers often see an uptick in burglary rates when the economy is in a slump, but even when times are good there's no guarantee you won't be the victim of a burglary.

Despite all of this, there is quite a bit you can do to help prevent burglary, no matter where you live.

Fast Facts about Burglars

Though pop culture and mythology sometimes romanticize burglars (like Robin Hood), the truth about the typical burglar is much less romantic. *Here are some fast facts that you may not know about burglars:

  • In the United States in the 21st century, the typical burglary suspect is a young male, usually white, and usually under age 25. Only about 5% of the people arrested for burglary are female.
  • The typical burglar is also not a career criminal, but an amateur who is generally nonviolent. Two-thirds of burglary suspects do not use a weapon when they break into homes, and most of the time they're in and out of the residence in less than 12 minutes. Burglars who already have rap sheets usually have arrests for things like simple possession and minor drug offenses.
  • Burglars also don't like cold weather. The fewest burglaries tend to occur in February, while July and August are peak months for burglary. Sometimes there is an increase in burglaries after Christmas as well. In addition, most burglaries occur during the daytime.
  • Half of all burglars live within two miles of the homes they break into. When burglars plan their crimes, they often case homes based on how easy residences are to get into. Around 4% of burglars simply walk in through unlocked doors.
  • Only about 13% of burglars are ever caught. That means if you're a burglary victim, your chances of getting your stolen possessions back are slim. It also points out the importance of prevention when it comes to home burglary.

Keep Burglars at a Distance

dogs and home security

You can help protect yourself from burglars by approaching burglary prevention comprehensively.

  1. Make access difficult. This involves having deadbolt locks on all exterior doors and using them consistently. Windows should be locked when the house is vacant too. If you have a pet door, put the sliding panel in before you leave home. There are burglars skinny enough to get in through a pet flap.
  2. Avoid letting people know when your house is unoccupied for long periods. Burglars love seeing yards that are unkempt, mailboxes that are stuffed, and newspapers left on the front walk. Have these things taken care of when you travel, and use light timers to turn lights on and off randomly to make your home appear occupied. It isn't a good idea to share travel plans on social networking websites. You can never be absolutely sure your privacy settings won't allow strangers to know you're away from home.
  3. Have a home security system installed. Did you know that a home without a security system is three times more likely to be broken into than a home with a security system? If a burglar sees a yard sign or window decal indicating that a home has a monitored security system, he's generally going to go somewhere else.
  4. Get a dog. Your dog’s bite might not deter a burglar, but its bark could. A barking dog can bring attention to your house and the last thing a burglar wants is attention while they are sneaking into your home.

ADT Monitored Alarm System

burglary facts

Protect Your Home is the nation's leading ADT Authorized Dealer, and can usually provide next-day installation of monitored home security systems. Many system components are wireless, so they won't cause problems with your home décor, and they're quick to install.

Today's systems are easy to use, too, and can be customized to include features like surveillance cameras and smart phone apps for monitoring your home when you're away. Furthermore, with mature technology comes lower cost. Many people are surprised to find how affordable today's monitored home security systems are.

Approach your home's security comprehensively through your and your family's behavior, use of physical security devices like locks, and monitored home security. All of this will drastically help reduce your chances of being a burglary victim.

ADT®-Monitored Home Security
Start Here for a FREE Quote


Call Now For a FREE Quote


bbb_logos   SSL site seal - click to verify