When you think of burglars, you might picture them as masterminds, carefully plotting out their next move with precision. However, the reality is often much simpler. Most burglars don’t meticulously plan their crimes. Instead, they take advantage of a crime of opportunity. In fact, many burglars choose homes based on how easy they are to break into, the presence of a home security system and how much risk they’ll face.
Here are some insights into how burglars choose a home, and what you can do to make sure yours isn’t an easy target.
Crime of Opportunity
Burglars tend to look for homes where they can get in quickly and without too much fuss. According to the FBI, a whopping 37.8% of burglaries are classified as “unlawful entries.” This means burglars gain access through open doors, unlocked windows, or other easily overlooked vulnerabilities.
So, while securing your doors and windows is an obvious first step, you need to think about other factors that might make your home an easy target. Things like your landscaping, the visibility of your home from the street, and the presence of a security system can all play a role in how burglars choose their next victim.
The Power of Visibility
One of the first things a burglar will assess when scoping out a potential target is how visible the home is from the street. The more visible the home, the less likely a burglar will want to risk breaking in. If a burglar can be easily seen by neighbors or anyone passing by, they know the chances of getting caught go up significantly.
This means you might want to rethink your front yard. High fences or thick hedges that block the view of your home might seem like a good idea, but they also provide the perfect hiding spot for a burglar. Instead, try to keep shrubs and trees trimmed low and avoid placing large objects near windows that could obscure the view of your home. The goal here is to make your home less appealing as a place to break into, simply by making it more difficult for burglars to act without being noticed.
Your Home’s Lighting: A Simple but Effective Deterrent
Lighting is another major factor in how burglars choose their targets. A home that’s dark and poorly lit is a prime candidate for a break-in. Burglars want to operate in the shadows, so homes that are well-lit are less likely to be chosen.
Consider installing motion sensor lights around your property. These lights automatically turn on when they detect movement, making burglars feel exposed. Even a simple porch light that stays on at night can make your home a less attractive target. But don’t just think about the front of your house. Remember to light up side yards, back alleys, and dark corners where a burglar might try to hide.
The Home Security System: A Burglar’s Worst Nightmare
When it comes to choosing a target, burglars tend to avoid homes with visible home security systems. The mere sight of a security camera or a sign advertising a security system can make a burglar think twice about breaking in.
Most burglars want a quick and easy job, and the risk of being caught on camera is simply too much to handle. That’s why a home security system is one of the best ways to deter burglars. If you have one, make sure it’s visible. Place a sign in your front yard, and let the world know that your home is protected. If you don’t have a system yet, now might be a great time to consider it. Security systems today are more affordable than ever, and they come with features like motion detectors, cameras, and even smartphone apps to keep you connected and aware.
Neighborhood Watch: Strength in Numbers
Burglars rarely target homes that are part of a strong community. When a neighborhood has an active watch program, burglars tend to avoid it because they know there are eyes everywhere. People who live in close-knit communities often look out for one another, and that means any suspicious activity is more likely to be reported.
Even if your area doesn’t have an official neighborhood watch, it’s a good idea to get to know your neighbors. Look out for each other and keep an eye on homes that might be vacant or have unusual activity. Burglars aren’t fond of neighborhoods where there’s a chance someone will notice them lurking around.
What About the Inside?
When burglars are looking at a house from the outside, they’re also trying to gauge what’s inside. They look for signs of valuable items, like electronics, jewelry, or anything that’s easy to carry away. If your house has a lot of expensive items visible from the windows, you could be giving burglars the green light to break in.
Take some time to rethink your window coverings. Make sure valuable items are out of sight. You don’t want to advertise your expensive possessions to the world. And if you have a garage or shed that’s filled with tools, bikes, or other items, keep them locked and secured. Sometimes, burglars will target these areas for smaller, easier-to-carry items that can be sold quickly.
Don’t Make It Easy
A burglar’s decision to target a home is often based on how much effort it will take to break in. The easier your home is to access, the more likely it is to be chosen. You can make your home less appealing by adding simple but effective deterrents. Lock all doors and windows, keep your property well-lit, and consider installing a security system. A few small changes can go a long way in keeping your home safe.
It’s also essential to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Burglars tend to choose homes where they can act quickly and without being noticed. By eliminating opportunities, you can drastically reduce the chances of your home being targeted.
Conclusion
Burglars don’t always act with precision or care, but they do choose their targets based on certain factors. By making small changes to your home and property, you can significantly reduce the likelihood that your home will become the next target. Securing your doors and windows is a good start, but it’s also important to consider how visible your home is, whether it’s well-lit, and if there are signs of a security system. The more you do to make your home appear secure and less accessible, the less likely burglars will see it as a tempting opportunity.
