Windows most likely to be broken into are typically ground-floor windows, basement windows, and hidden or secluded windows. Burglars target these areas because they offer concealment and allow them to quickly smash a pane and reach the interior locks.
Additionally, laminated or tempered glass adds an extra layer of security by being much harder to break than standard glass. Windows with strong frames, like those made from reinforced uPVC or aluminum, also provide added strength against forced entry.
Ditching shades has a lot of upsides regardless of who you are. Uncovered windows bring in natural light, boost well-being, and offer a view of the world outside. The trade-off, of course, is that they also put those inside on display to passersby, and in the summer, they channel heat.
Burglars hate anything that makes a break-in noisy, time-consuming, or highly visible. Criminals look for the path of least resistance; if a target requires too much effort or poses a high risk of getting caught, they will simply move on to an easier home.
Windows 11 offers significantly stronger built-in security than Windows 10 and was built to address some of these evolving threats through software and hardware mandates. Mandatory TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot create a hardware root of trust.
People are hesitant to upgrade to Windows 11 due to strict hardware requirements that force expensive PC replacements, concerns over privacy and forced AI integration like Copilot, and frustration over removed taskbar features, UI changes, and update bugs.
You do not need to install a third-party antivirus for Windows 11. It comes pre-installed with Microsoft Defender Antivirus, a highly rated, built-in security tool that is always on and updates automatically.
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.
Which homes do burglars target?
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!
Thankfully, Stewart was quick to ease our curtain concerns. She says, “They're beautiful, I don't have anything against them, I just don't live with them… I like to look outside. Every window [in my home] looks out to something nice, and it's just all open to the view.”
Windows can be a significant source of heat loss in homes, especially during colder months (or heat gain in hot climates). Insulating your windows with a cardboard box is a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution to help retain heat and reduce energy bills.
Ninety percent of the world's millionaires share a commonality in real estate. They typically own physical property, whether as a primary residence or as an income-generating rental property, to build tangible long-term wealth.
The most burglar-proof windows feature laminated or polycarbonate glass, multi-point locking systems, and reinforced frames (steel or aluminum). The best overall window types for security are casement windows (which lock tightly at multiple points) and fixed picture windows (which have no operable parts to pry open).
The cheapest time of year to replace windows is during the off-season, which runs from late fall through winter. Demand drops significantly during these months, prompting manufacturers and contractors to offer steep discounts and special promotions to keep their crews busy.
Protecting your home's access points means making sure your doors, windows and locks are sturdy. "Deadbolts are definitely a good thing," says Hsiung. Also, make sure your door is a solid wood or metal construction with a good frame. "If the wood is deteriorated, it won't take much to force open," he says.
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.
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.
Direct Answer: Memphis, Tennessee, has the highest violent crime rate among major U.S. cities at 2,437 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it statistically the most dangerous city in America based on 2023-2025 data.
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.
Finding ways to make it look like you're at home even when you're not is a great way to deter burglars. But it's also important to try to change up your routine every so often for the times you are home. Though burglars don't always stake out homes before they choose to break in, it does happen.
Hotel bathroom drawers and bedside tables: You may think keeping things out of sight will keep them safe, however, the Goodstone team explained that these are among the first places thieves check. “Hotel rooms follow standard layouts, so thieves can search them efficiently,” Asaad said.
People refuse to update to Windows 11 primarily due to strict hardware requirements that force expensive new PC purchases, a reluctance to give up local accounts for Microsoft accounts, and a desire to avoid bloated AI features. Others simply prefer the familiar interface and stability of Windows 10.
No, you do not need McAfee. Windows 11 comes with Microsoft Defender, a robust, free, and deeply integrated antivirus that protects against viruses and malware. It runs automatically and is fully sufficient for everyday use.
You already have free protection built into your system (Microsoft Defender for Windows or XProtect for Mac). However, for enhanced features and stronger multi-layered defense, these 100% free antivirus options are excellent: