What makes a house attractive to burglars?

Author: Haskell Swaniawski  |  Last update: Saturday, December 27, 2025

Outdated window and door frames, as well as sliding glass doors or cheap wooden doors.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 makes a house more likely to be robbed?

Houses with few or no security devices.

Burglars are less likely to gain entry when a house has two or more security devices (including window locks, dead bolts, security lights, and alarms). 42 Studies of offenders show that burglars may avoid houses with good locks, burglar bars or other security devices.

How to make your home less attractive to burglars?

18 Ways to Theft-Proof Your Home Inside and Out
  1. Look for vulnerable spots. ...
  2. Lock doors and windows. ...
  3. Landscape strategically. ...
  4. Put up a fence. ...
  5. Install double-key deadbolts. ...
  6. Upgrade doors and locks. ...
  7. Install motion sensor lighting. ...
  8. Invest in a home security system.

Where do burglars look in a house?

They seek out any opening that they can take advantage of, specifically doors and windows that are left open or unlocked or are easy to force. Anything of value that they might spot through a window will only spur them on. But it really doesn't take much to deter these thieves – just smart thinking.

How do robbers mark your house?

Unusual Objects Around the Property: Objects like stones, bottles, or pieces of string placed around your property may also be used as markers for burglars. Unexpected Door Knocks or Phone Calls: Burglars sometimes knock on doors or make phone calls to check if anyone's home.

Tips to Make Your House Less Attractive to Burglars

How do you know if your house is being targeted?

Common Signs Your House Is Being Cased
  • Sign #1: Parked but Occupied Vehicles. ...
  • Sign #2: A Knock on the Door. ...
  • Sign #3: Binoculars and Cameras. ...
  • Sign #4: Same Faces, Different Day. ...
  • Sign #5: Strangers in Your Yard. ...
  • Step #1: Cameras. ...
  • Step #2: A Home Security System. ...
  • Step #3: Consider a Dog.

What does a shoe in front of your house mean?

It's always better to be safe than sorry… Shoes: This one is a little less common. But if you find a random shoe left by your gate or driveway, it could be a sign that your home is 'easy pickings'. Remove it, keep an eye out and, if more appear, notify the non-emergency line on 101!

What burglars hate the most?

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

What makes a burglar choose a house?

Here are some of the top things burglars look for when targeting homes. Single-family detached homes in the middle of the neighborhood (as opposed to corner units, which are less likely to be burglarized). Homes next to empty lots or without nearby neighbors. High privacy hedges, bushes, and walls around the property.

What scares burglars?

Security measures that put burglars off
  • Alarm Systems. Burglars hate alarm systems - and for very good reason! ...
  • Security cameras. CCTV cameras can also deter burglars from attempting to enter your home. ...
  • Barking dog. ...
  • A secure garden. ...
  • Access points. ...
  • Teamwork. ...
  • Obvious absence. ...
  • Social media oversharing.

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.

What burglars want most from your home?

Top 10 items stolen in home invasions
  • Wallets and cash. The amount of cash stolen in home burglaries far outweighs the value of other stolen goods, according to the FBI's findings. ...
  • Clothing and furs. ...
  • Prescription drugs. ...
  • Cars and parts. ...
  • Electronics. ...
  • Jewelry and precious metals. ...
  • Personal documents. ...
  • Firearms.

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.

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.

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.

What damages a house the most?

Top 5 Dangers to Your House
  • Danger #1: Water damage. Many people think of damage from hurricanes and heavy rains when they think of water damage. ...
  • Danger #2: Weather-related roof/flashing damage. ...
  • Danger #3: Frozen pipe damage. ...
  • Danger #4: Theft. ...
  • Danger #5: Fire.

Where do burglars look first?

Near windows and doors

Doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars, so near these entry points is often the first place they look for any valuables. Burglars also know many homeowners hide their house key near the front door, making it easier for them to break in within minutes or even seconds.

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.

How do you make a house burglar proof?

You can also send the burglars running with these fake home security system options.
  1. Secure Points of Entry. Read More. ...
  2. Add Motion Detector Lighting. Read More. ...
  3. Use Tamper-Proof Screws. Read More. ...
  4. Secure Door Hinges. Read More. ...
  5. Install Alarms. ...
  6. Reinforce Locks. ...
  7. Choose Locks with Thicker Shackles. ...
  8. Add a Deadbolt Protection Device.

What is the best door to avoid burglary?

A security door differs from a typical door because it is often reinforced with steel or aluminum. These doors feature layers of steel sandwiched in-between wood, making them more challenging for would-be burglars to break.

Do lights put burglars off?

Similarly, your 24-hour outdoor light doesn't really deter burglars. Instead, they'll be thankful for the light it provides them with. With a light on, burglars can see any obstacles that could create noise, and will also highlight any weak points or entry points around your home.

Should you pretend to be asleep if someone breaks in?

Burglars Do More Than Steal

At night, if you think you hear someone breaking in, leave safely if you can, then call the police. If you can't leave, lock yourself in a room with a phone and call the police. If an intruder is in your room, pretend you are asleep.

How do you tell if your house is being marked?

Signs Your House Might Be Marked for Intruders
  1. Unfamiliar Marks or Symbols. In some cases, burglars leave subtle markings on houses to communicate with each other about the property's vulnerability. ...
  2. Random Solicitations. ...
  3. Strange Vehicles or People. ...
  4. Altered or Damaged Locks. ...
  5. Missing or Disturbed Items. ...
  6. Neighborhood Reports.

Where do you put your shoes when entering the house?

10 Entryway Shoe Storage Ideas from Professional Designs and Organizers
  1. Shoe Rack. Open Spaces Entryway Rack. ...
  2. Bench. Burrow Carta Bench. ...
  3. Cubbies. ...
  4. 4 Shoe Bins/Boxes. ...
  5. Boot Tray. ...
  6. Vertical Shoe Cabinet. ...
  7. Ladder. ...
  8. Over-the-Door Storage.

What does 1587 stand for?

WHY 1587? Our Asian American story began in 1587, the first documented year that Asians landed in America. We want to honor the legacy that started our Asian American story with our namesake, the same bold spirit, and desire for the extraordinary.

Previous article
Does showering remove mites?
Next article
Can I use laundry detergent in a carpet cleaner?