Where burglars go first in your home (2024)

FAQs

Where burglars go first in your home? ›

Unlocked Doors and Windows

WHERE BURGLARS HIT FIRST. “The master bedroom is typically where burglars go to first. It's where we keep our jewelry, if you have a safe you have it in the closet, cash, and guns, it's probably where your designer purses are, in the closet.

According to a burglary study by ADT, front door break-ins top the list at 34% with first-floor windows coming in second at 23%, and the back door at 22%. After that, the other methods of break-in drop off considerably.

Homes in high-visibility places, like on corner lots, are far less likely to be broken into. There are simply too many potential ways to be seen. But townhomes, houses in the middle of the block, or houses in a cul-de-sac are much better targets.

Security yard signs discourage many thieves. You may have already suspected it, but studies do confirm that burglars -- around 83% surveyed -- are scared off by signs that an alarm system is present, and one of the most straightforward is a literal sign or window sticker.

Burglars are more likely to target homes that are “routinely vacant during the day.” A serious thief may watch your home for a few days to confirm that you are gone for work before breaking in. Other burglars may just casually knock on the front door to confirm no one is home.

Burglary Prevention Basics

Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors. Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day. Keep your garage door closed and locked.

1. Home Security Cameras. Our best deterrent for burglars is the presence of an outdoor security camera.

Leaving your ladder outside could give burglars easy access to your home. Burglars look in on neighborhoods to identify easy targets. One of the things they scrutinize is your trash. It is common to throw away packing boxes and wrappers after unpacking your new electronics.

How to scare a robber away? ›

Fortunately, unlike movies, most burglars are looking to steal your belongings, not harm you. It's still pretty terrifying, though, to wake up in the middle of the night and realize someone else is in your house—and one can't exactly read a burglar's mind or know his or her intentions.

According to cooperative insurer's research theft is most likely to occur on a Friday. Around 40% of break ins occur during the day whilst 60% take place during the evening or at night. It's really important to use your home security, day and night.

Having a Ring doorbell can actually attract burglars instead of deterring them, according to experts. Alarms fitted on homes can indicate to thieves that there are valuable items worth stealing. Research has shown that alarms can increase the risk of burglaries and give a false sense of protection.

It's a fairly common home security tip that is passed around, but you may be wondering if leaving the outside lights on deters burglars. The truth is that it helps a small portion of potential burglaries, but overall, it's not an effective method to rely on.

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.

Burglary Statistics by State

The rate at which robberies occur varies from state to state. According to Statista, New Mexico, Washington and Louisiana have the highest burglary rates in 2022 at 604, 563 and 489 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively.