Nearly four million homes will be burglarized this year. Here’s how to make sure yours isn’t one of them.
Undoubtedly, you have heard either on the news, on television programs, or on movies about burglars casing a house. This term describes the way that burglars will watch a home, search for patterns, and determine the best time to enter the home when the homeowner is a way or distracted.
But have you ever asked yourself, how do burglars case a house? Having the answer to that question is key in spotting the signs that a burglar may be looking for an opportunity to get inside of your home. Once you know what to look for, you will be able to take steps to dissuade a burglar from considering getting into your home.
#YOU DON'T HAVE AN ALARM SYSTEM
Installing a home security system can go a long way towards deterring burglars, 60% of burglars said that if an alarm were present, they'd look for a different house to target.
#YOU HAVE LOTS OF LOCKS
Interestingly, locks alone aren't enough to scare a burglar away, and having more locks doesn't necessarily work in your favor.
In fact, it could have the opposite effect, convincing a burglar that you have something worth stealing.
#YOU DRIVE A FANCY CAR
Having an expensive set of wheels parked in your driveway can increase your burglary risk. For burglars, signs of wealth are a significant factor in determining when and where a break-in will occur.
#YOU HAVE HIRED HELP
Bringing in a housekeeper or landscaper to help with upkeep around your home can save you time, but it can cost you in the long run.
Nearly a third of burglars report getting inside information on their targets, some of which comes directly from people who work for the victim.
#YOU LIVE NEAR A HIGH-TRAFFIC AREA
According to the Department of Justice, living next to an area where there are heavy traffic patterns increases the odds of becoming a burglary victim. Homes that are located close to pedestrian walkways are also more at risk.
#YOU KEEP CASH IN YOUR HOME
The UNC Charlotte study found that cash is the number one item on burglars' theft list. Nearly 80% of burglars who responded said that they broke into someone's home with the intent to steal money.
#YOU DON'T HAVE KIDS
If you're single or you live with just your spouse, you may be especially attractive to burglars. One logistical analysis found that the more people there are living in a house, the less likely burglars would strike.
#YOUR HOME ISN'T VERY WELL LIT
For burglars who prefer to operate under cover of dark, good lighting is a major deterrent. In a Dutch study, the odds of being burglarized decreased when homeowners installed motion sensor lighting or turned on outside lights around entryways.
#YOUR HOME IS LOCATED NEAR A HIGH-CRIME AREA
While some studies have shown that burglars may travel hundreds of miles to commit a crime, most break-ins are carried out by people who live nearby. According to a study from the Rochester Institute of Technology, the more familiar burglars are with a particular area, the more likely they are to target their neighbors.
#YOU FOLLOW THE SAME ROUTINE
Burglary is sometimes a crime of impulse, but many criminals take the time to observe potential victims beforehand. A study from the UK suggests that repeating the same pattern in your daily rounds could make you an easier target for burglary, since thieves can predict what you'll be doing at any given time.
But have you ever asked yourself, how do burglars case a house? Having the answer to that question is key in spotting the signs that a burglar may be looking for an opportunity to get inside of your home. Once you know what to look for, you will be able to take steps to dissuade a burglar from considering getting into your home.
#YOU DON'T HAVE AN ALARM SYSTEM
Installing a home security system can go a long way towards deterring burglars, 60% of burglars said that if an alarm were present, they'd look for a different house to target.
#YOU HAVE LOTS OF LOCKS
Interestingly, locks alone aren't enough to scare a burglar away, and having more locks doesn't necessarily work in your favor.
In fact, it could have the opposite effect, convincing a burglar that you have something worth stealing.
#YOU DRIVE A FANCY CAR
Having an expensive set of wheels parked in your driveway can increase your burglary risk. For burglars, signs of wealth are a significant factor in determining when and where a break-in will occur.
#YOU HAVE HIRED HELP
Bringing in a housekeeper or landscaper to help with upkeep around your home can save you time, but it can cost you in the long run.
Nearly a third of burglars report getting inside information on their targets, some of which comes directly from people who work for the victim.
#YOU LIVE NEAR A HIGH-TRAFFIC AREA
According to the Department of Justice, living next to an area where there are heavy traffic patterns increases the odds of becoming a burglary victim. Homes that are located close to pedestrian walkways are also more at risk.
#YOU KEEP CASH IN YOUR HOME
The UNC Charlotte study found that cash is the number one item on burglars' theft list. Nearly 80% of burglars who responded said that they broke into someone's home with the intent to steal money.
#YOU DON'T HAVE KIDS
If you're single or you live with just your spouse, you may be especially attractive to burglars. One logistical analysis found that the more people there are living in a house, the less likely burglars would strike.
#YOUR HOME ISN'T VERY WELL LIT
For burglars who prefer to operate under cover of dark, good lighting is a major deterrent. In a Dutch study, the odds of being burglarized decreased when homeowners installed motion sensor lighting or turned on outside lights around entryways.
#YOUR HOME IS LOCATED NEAR A HIGH-CRIME AREA
While some studies have shown that burglars may travel hundreds of miles to commit a crime, most break-ins are carried out by people who live nearby. According to a study from the Rochester Institute of Technology, the more familiar burglars are with a particular area, the more likely they are to target their neighbors.
#YOU FOLLOW THE SAME ROUTINE
Burglary is sometimes a crime of impulse, but many criminals take the time to observe potential victims beforehand. A study from the UK suggests that repeating the same pattern in your daily rounds could make you an easier target for burglary, since thieves can predict what you'll be doing at any given time.