Burglars are deterred by three main factors: visibility, difficulty, and the likelihood of getting caught. Criminals look for easy targets, so making your home look occupied and physically securing entry points forces them to move on.
The most effective burglar deterrents rely on a combination of visual friction and making your home look occupied. According to former burglars and security experts, visible CCTV cameras, security system signage, and large, barking dogs top the list. Most thieves are opportunists who avoid difficult targets.
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.
Robbers and burglars are primarily deterred by the fear of getting caught, difficulty of entry, and lack of easy reward. The most effective deterrents include:
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A good place to hide valuables could be the entrance area, for example, as it is often overlooked. An unused fireplace can also be used as a hiding place: simply remove the cover, place valuables inside and then close it again. It is unlikely that a thief will look there.
Perfume and fragrance: costly products that are relatively easy to steal. Small electrical goods and accessories: electric toothbrushes, smart speakers, iPads, headphones, shavers, data sticks. Smartphones are slightly less likely to be stolen because of robust security devices.
Like telling your lights to turn on and off when you're miles away.
Nighttime Burglaries
Around 21.8% of burglaries happen at night, between midnight and 4 a.m. Some reports say the numbers are closer to 53% during the day and 47% at night, showing that while burglars prefer daytime, the danger is there all the time.
Leaving on lights at all times doesn't seem to be an effective way to deter crimes. With a little planning and some home automation equipment, you can use lighting to your advantage and get better peace of mind.
Which homes do burglars target?
Avoid keeping your items in the prime spots like your master bedroom, bedroom closet, desk drawer in your study room, your jewelry box, or the cabinet in the hallway. These are the most common places where burglars search for these items.
Regardless of the time of day or night, when a stranger knocks on the door, it can be uncomfortable or even frightening. While we hope that no one tries to break into your home, a common tactic burglars use is to knock on someone's door to see if anyone is there before entering.
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Ring doorbells serve as a highly effective visual deterrent for opportunistic thieves, but they do not physically prevent break-ins. While many burglars will avoid a house with a visible camera, tech-savvy intruders can bypass them using signal jammers or disguises, and some may view them as an indicator of valuable items inside.
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.
More burglaries occur in the summer months than in the winter months. In what season do burglaries most often occur? A study completed by the Bureau of Justice Statistics showed a spike in burglary during summer months in a study from 1993-2010 with the exception of three years during that period.
The average burglar has only two options for entering your residence: doors and windows. Examine your entry points and see how well they would stand up to a thief. Doors and windows can be fashionably secured with ornate, yet sturdy, door handles and locks.
Home Security Cameras
Our best deterrent for burglars is the presence of an outdoor security camera. Having cameras mounted around your exterior home is a great way to prevent burglars from entering your home! This immediately makes it look as though burgling your home will be more of a risk.
The Core Recommendation: BS 3621 Standard Locks
To spot one, look for the iconic British Standard Kitemark on the faceplate along with 'BS 3621. ' Protect your home by choosing a lock that meets these thief-resistant standards—your peace of mind depends on it.
Burglars look for valuables in places they can access quickly, such as dresser drawers, under the mattress, in closets, and in obvious caches like cookie jars or desk organizers. They typically bypass areas that require physical labor, are messy to dig through, or offer low reward for their time.
There is a common saying among the fraud prevenƟon sites called the 10-10-80 rule: 10% will never steal, 10% will steal, and 80% will go either way depending on the circumstances.
Kleptomania (klep-toe-MAY-nee-uh) is a mental health disorder that involves repeatedly being unable to resist urges to steal items that you generally don't really need. Often the items stolen have little value and you could afford to buy them. Kleptomania is rare but can be a serious condition.
God strictly prohibits stealing, viewing it as a sin against both humanity and the divine order. The Bible emphasizes that theft violates the commandment to love your neighbor and stems from a corrupt heart.