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Most thieves target homes that look easy to break into. They often pick a house by surveilling the neighborhood and finding the one with the most predictable patterns of when people come and go. Most burglars enter houses through those entry points as well as the front door, the back door, or the garage.
What do burglars look for when choosing a home?
Burglars look for a property that promises to be worth the effort. They’re hoping for the maximum profit from their theft with the least amount of work. When looking at properties, burglars usually look for homes that appear to have valuables on site and where nobody is home.
What makes a house attractive to burglars?
Doors and windows with vulnerable locks are a common access point for burglars. If loosening or bypassing them is simple, then it makes getting inside easy. Garage doors and pet doors are both open passages where burglars can get through quickly, too.
Which houses do burglars target?
The 10 Most Common Homes Burglars Target Low-traffic areas. Previously burglarized homes or homes near one. Places to hide. Vacant homes. Poor security features. Easy accessibility. Houses with curb appeal. Social homeowners.
Which houses do burglars avoid?
Top 10 Things Burglars Avoid Strong Doors. Many people when purchasing a home, renting an apartment or building a new home can tend to get skimpy on details like the quality of exterior doors. Security Systems. Dogs. Well-lit Areas. Security Cameras. Corner Homes.
How do you scare burglars away?
Get More Tips Don’t advertise big buys. An empty computer or television carton left on the curb is a flag to crooks. Ask for a reference. Before hiring anyone, get personal recommendations. Keep your mail out of reach. Stay well-trimmed. Get a virtual pet. Call the police. Know your neighbors.
How do you trick a burglar?
Ask friends, family, or neighbors to just be present on your property — use your patio, play in your yard, or bring in the mail. Invite a neighbor to keep a car parked in your driveway. During the holidays, they may be happy if they need overflow for visitors. Install a fake security camera for as low as $8.
Do thieves knock on doors?
Burglars will frequently walk up and knock on the front door to see if someone is home, giving an excuse – asking for directions, have you seen my dog?, oops wrong house – whenever someone answers it. Mild vandalism like a rock through a side window.
How do thieves choose their victims?
The four main ways a burglar will choose their job include the following: Look for vulnerable folks (elderly, those living alone, easy targets, etc.) Opportunistic (very little forethought or planning) Desirability of property (smarter criminals).
Where do burglars not look?
Thieves Never Check These Super Secret Hiding Places 3 / 51. False-Bottom Drawer. Pick a deep drawer so the depth change won’t be obvious. 4 / 51. Fake Plumbing Pipes. Put in a fake PVC pipe complete with a cleanout plug somewhere in your basement. 5 / 51. Slit Open a Tennis Ball.
What do burglars use to make you sleep?
In the bad old days, people who slept through a robbery came up with the theory that burglars pumped gas into the bedroom in order to render the victims unconscious. The dastardly plan is simple and effective – they burn a CD outside a window and presto, everyone, including the dogs, falls into a toxic sleep.
How do most burglars break into homes?
These are the most common points of entry for home break-ins: Front door: 34% of burglars twist the doorknob and walk right in. First-floor windows: 23% use a first-floor open window to break into your home. Back door: 22% come in through the back door.
Do burglars smash windows?
As you can see, burglars do break windows. While it is true that they usually only do it when the conditions are appropriate, in most cases, it takes only a few seconds to break through a standard windowpane. Fortunately, you can do many things to discourage burglars and prevent your windows from smashing.
Do burglars come back after failed attempt?
Multiple break-ins are even more frightening. Unfortunately, after one “successful” burglary, intruders are likely to come back and target the same home again. Repeat burglaries also often occur quickly after the first one—25% within one week and 51% within one month.
Does leaving a light on at night deter burglars?
Do security lights deter burglars? Yes, they can. Light makes it hard for them to conceal their identity, so they are more likely to find a darker home.
What time of day do most break-ins occur?
The most common times for break-ins occur between 10 am and 3 pm. Rather than being guarded by night, most burglars choose the daytime to attempt a break-in, targeting homes when they believe no one will be present.
Do cameras scare burglars?
Security cameras don’t attract burglars to your property; but at the same time, they probably won’t keep burglars away from your property. More than likely, your security camera will go unnoticed by burglars. Here’s the bottom line: security cameras, for the most part, aren’t designed to deter crime.
How do you tell if someone is planning to rob you?
Signs a Burglar is Watching Your House Strange Cars Parked in Your Neighborhood. Strangers Walking Down Your Street. People Pretending to Conduct a Survey. People Pretending to Sell You Something. Strangers With an Emergency or in Need of Help. Strangers Taking Pictures of Your Home. Random Flyers Showing Up on Your Door.
Do burglars strike twice?
According to several studies, 50 percent of repeat victims had their homes robbed twice within a month or two. Not only are burglars prone to returning to the scene of a crime, but they are also prone to doing so without waiting for long.