Is your home a target for burglary?

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Published Date 11/22/2023

You’ve heard burglars “case” a particular neighborhood, driving up and down streets examining each house for its security weaknesses, right? No? Well, perhaps it’s time to wake up.

“Home might be where the heart is, but it’s where your precious valuables are, too. And thieves know it all too well,” says Realtor’s Larissa Runkle. “That simple fact makes every home a potential target for a burglary.”

She says that according to the FBI’s latest reports on crime data, more than $463 billion worth of goods are stolen from residences each year, with more than 847,522 burglaries reported in 2022 alone. It adds up to roughly one burglary in America every 22.6 seconds.

Sure. Break-ins can happen in any neighborhood. But there are several steps you can take to protect your family and belongings from the dangers of a home invasion. Runkle spoke to real estate and security experts to get the lowdown on what thieves look for when deciding whether to hit your house.

The first is determining if you have an alarm system. Did you know that a whopping 75% of American homes don’t have a security system—and that burglars are 300% more likely to target these properties? “It’s not just about electronic alarms,” says Rental Real Estate CEO Ryan Nelson. “In my early days, one of my rental properties was almost robbed. I learned quickly that even a dog can deter potential intruders. Later on, I invested in a comprehensive alarm system for that property, and the difference was like night and day.”

A telltale sign of an easy target for burglars is mail piling up and houses that appear to be vacated. An empty property becomes obvious when mail, packages, or local ads start piling up on the doorstep. “It’s the little things—unpicked mail, an unkempt yard—that give it away,” says Nelson. “Having someone collect the mail or hiring a yard service during extended absences can solve this issue.”

Privacy and a healthy garden is one thing. But sometimes it’s too much of a good thing. “While lush landscaping looks nice, it also can hide burglars,” says Austin, TX-based Realtor Bailey Moran. “Keep bushes trimmed and good sight lines to windows and doors. A client of mine learned this the hard way when overgrown bushes concealed an attempted break-in.”

Entry points to your house are studied like a science by roving thieves. While you already know it’s essential to always keep them locked, you should also ensure these openings aren’t structurally vulnerable to break-ins.

“Weak doors and windows are an easy target for burglars,” says real estate expert Mark Buskuhl. “Consider investing in strong, sturdy doors with deadbolt locks and reinforced metal frames. You can also reinforce your windows with security film, or install window bars.”

If you do little else, put some light on the subject. The best cover for a burglary is the darkness surrounding your home. You can avoid this by strategically placing motion-sensor automatic outdoor lights around your home and property.

“Burglars tend to avoid homes with well-lit exteriors, as it increases their risk of being seen,” says Buskuhl. He advises you to keep your outdoor lights on at night and install motion-sensor lights if possible. Use smart light bulbs and set them on a timer, giving the illusion that someone is home.

An alarming number (nearly 89%, according to the FBI) of home break-ins go unsolved, but those that almost certainly were aided by security camera footage. Beyond that, however, well-placed cameras are also a significant deterrent when burglars are scouting out homes.

“Security cameras are a great way to deter burglars and provide evidence in case of a break-in,” says Buskuhl. “You can opt for traditional CCTV cameras or go for newer, more affordable options like smart doorbell cameras that send alerts to your phone when there is activity outside your home.”

That privacy we spoke of? Isolation offers it as well, but when isolation means you’re a burglary target, it’s best to be especially aware of the risks. “Although you might not be able to do much about this after the fact, it’s a good thing to take into consideration when shopping for homes,” says Runkle. “If your home is at the end of a long road or without any nearby neighbors, you’ll want to take every preventive measure on this list—and then some.” That’s because isolated homes are prime targets for burglars, as there are fewer chances of getting caught. Definitely opt for “security cameras with motion sensors to heighten your home’s security".

Realtor, TBWS

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