What burglars don't want you to know?

Author: Antonina Vandervort II  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

The 5 secrets burglars don't want you to know
  • Burglars want you to keep your doors and windows unlocked. ...
  • Burglars don't want you to be home. ...
  • Burglars want to spend as little time as possible inside your home. ...
  • If you own a dog, a burglar is much more likely to steer clear of your home.

What do burglars hate most?

Alarm Systems

Burglars hate alarm systems - and for very good reason! Any indication that your home has a security system, such as yard signs, window stickers and a big alarm box, can act as a burglar deterrent and help prevent your home from being burgled.

How do burglars know you aren't home?

Outdated window and door frames, as well as sliding glass doors or cheap wooden doors. Packages or mail stacking up on a porch or even recycling left out before collection could indicate you have recently gone out of town. Homes without a security system are three times more likely to be burglarized [3].

What houses do burglars avoid?

Houses that appear occupied—with the lights on, a vehicle in the driveway, visible activity, or audible noises from within—are less likely to be burglarized. 28 Even houses near occupied houses generally have a lower risk of burglary.

What discourages burglars?

Why Invest in Burglar Deterrents?
  • Home Security Cameras. Our best deterrent for burglars is the presence of an outdoor security camera. ...
  • Outdoor Lighting. ...
  • Smart Video Doorbell Cameras. ...
  • Dogs. ...
  • Security Gates. ...
  • Keeping Open Spaces Around Your Home. ...
  • An Alarm System. ...
  • Get Friendly With Your Neighbors.

7+ Tricks Burglars Don't Want You To Know

What are burglars afraid of?

Anything that's thorny or spiky is likely to make burglars think twice about attempting to access a property, with the fear of cutting themselves or tearing clothing and leaving DNA or evidence behind all too much.

What is the best weapon against burglars?

Here's a comprehensive guide to the 10 best non-lethal self-defense weapons to help you feel secure without compromising your values.
  1. Stun Guns. ...
  2. Pepper Spray. ...
  3. Personal Alarms. ...
  4. Tactical Pens. ...
  5. Kubotans. ...
  6. Self-Defense Keychains. ...
  7. Tasers. ...
  8. Expandable Batons.

Does leaving a light on at night deter burglars?

Less is more when it comes to using lights to deter burglars, it turns out. If you use smart lighting functionality through your home security system to make it seem as though someone is home, this may deter a burglar. If you simply leave your lights on all day and all night, you could do the opposite.

Which rooms are generally targeted first?

In speaking with our customers and security consultants, it's clear that most burglars head straight to a bedroom when they enter a home. If they can identify the primary bedroom, it will be their first target.

How to make your house unattractive to burglars?

Light Up Your House

Well-lit properties are less attractive to burglars and intruders because they are more likely to be seen by neighbors, pedestrians, or security cameras. Adequate lighting can act as a deterrent and make potential criminals think twice before approaching your home.

Do burglars break in when you are sleeping?

While the darkness tends to cause apprehensive feelings, most burglars actually prefer to break in during the day.

What type of house gets robbed the most?

Vacant homes

while you're at work. Most thieves don't target occupied houses. They also get a bit giddy when they see overgrown yards, mail or papers piling up, a sign you're on vacation. Not surprisingly, on average, homes that are burglarized tend to be homes that have no dogs.

Does leaving TV on deter burglars?

Leave Your Radio and TV On. A loud radio or TV on can be an even better deterrent than an alarm (learn more burglar deterrent gadgets here )to prevent burglars and bandits from breaking into your home.

What time do most robberies occur at night?

Robberies happen in both daytime and nighttime. It depends upon the location, situation, human activity around the target, and the area of interest where the burglars want to strike. Specific hours of robberies usually fall between 9 p.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Do Ring doorbells actually deter burglars?

Having a Ring doorbell can 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.

What do burglars not steal?

Therefore, burglars are unlikely to steal any large or fitted appliances. Weapons and perishable items (like food and alcohol) are also unlikely to be stolen during a standard home invasion.

What's the safest room in a hotel?

If possible, do not accept a room on the ground floor. The second floor is better, but the third or fourth floors are considered optimal. Rooms should be above the ground to make access from the window or balcony more difficult, but not so high that emergency services cannot access the room in case of fire.

What should be the first room you walk into in a house?

A foyer is the space you step into as you enter your home through the front door. Think of a foyer as a lobby or landing space when you walk through the front entryway of a home. It's the transition from outdoors to indoors.

Which rooms should be staged?

Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes for sure, but staged living rooms have a massive impact on how buyers feel about their future home. It's the place where they will entertain and spend most of their time outside of the bedroom.

What puts burglars off the most?

Trellis, thorny plants, or a suitable anti-climb topping such as plastic spikes make it difficult for anyone climbing over a fence or gate. Planting prickly or barbed shrubbery along boundaries and fence lines acts as an effective natural barrier. Gravel driveways and paths will make sure you hear anyone approach.

Is it safer to leave porch light on or off?

At Night: Leaving the porch light on at night naturally signals that your home is occupied. It alerts burglars and acts as a spotlight at the entry points. If you are waiting for someone to come at night, the illuminated porch light can give them a welcome signal and help you see who's approaching.

What makes a house attractive to burglars?

Lack of Home Security Systems

Homes without visible security systems, such as alarms or cameras, are attractive targets for burglars. Having these home security systems provides real-time monitoring and alerts and discourages burglars.

What really deters burglars?

Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. 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.

Do burglars want to hurt you?

No. Burglars enter a home when no one is at home, or when there is a lesser expectation of someone being in the residence. Robbery, Home Invasion, or the misnamed “Hot Burglary" is when a criminal enters a residence fully expecting people to be at home and is ready for resistance — e.g. willing/wanting to hurt you.

What is the best defense for burglary?

Establishing a Credible Alibi

One of the most powerful defenses in a burglary case is a solid alibi. Demonstrating that the defendant was in a different location at the time of the alleged offense can effectively dismantle the prosecution's case.

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