What Burglars Look for When Targeting Homes

While you might not want to get inside the mind of a burglar, it can help you to avoid falling victim to one, and below are just some of the things that burglars tend to look out for when scouting for a home to target and break into:

• Lack of a home security system

Burglar alarms and cameras are a sure sign to burglars that your home is well protected, and any sight of them is likely to act as a strong deterrent.

• Poor or nonexistent lighting

A home lost in the shadows is always going to be more appealing to burglars, especially when you consider that the majority of break-ins happen under the cover of darkness, so the simple addition of security lights can make a burglar pass your property by. Whether you choose to illuminate your entrance with a permanent night light, or opt for a sensor- controlled light, the effect is the same. 

• A vacant home

Homes in which nobody is present are easy pickings for burglars, and most will prefer to break in and steal things without the risk of being disturbed by a resident. Even if your home is empty, if you’re connected to a smart security system, you can schedule lights to be turned off and on when you’re away, giving the impression that somebody is home.

If you’re going to be away for an extended period, you can arrange for someone you trust to live in your property, or call in every day to make sure the mail is picked up etc.

• An announcement of absence on social media

While you might want to tell everyone and their neighbor online that you’re going away on vacation, there may be unsavory characters seeing your news and rubbing their hands together in anticipation of an empty home to rob.

• No pet dogs

Dogs are often quicker to detect intruders than humans are, and most burglars will skip homes in which at least one dog is present, irrespective of its size and ferocity, simply because they’re likely to alert the homeowners or neighbors to their unwelcome presence.

Exercise caution when using outside contractors

If you regularly – or even as a one-off – employ outside contractors such as builders, roofers, gardeners or domestic help, you could fall victim to theft, as a potential thief might take a job with a contractor to try and gain inside information about your home. Vet contractors thoroughly and only give them keys to your home once you’ve established a solid line of trust.

Make sure your locks are in good working order

You might not be able to prevent a burglar from targeting your home, but you can make it hard for them to gain access by ensuring that all of your locks are in good working order. If you’re concerned that any of your locks might not be functioning properly, or are old and outdated, it might be time to talk to a professional locksmith about having them replaced and upgraded.

Burglars are often opportunistic, and the minute you let your guard down and fail to keep your home secure, you could be as good as inviting them in to rob you. So stay vigilant, be aware of the above points and chat to your local licensed locksmith if you have any concerns about the protection of your home.

While most burglaries are crimes of opportunity, some are planned out in advance. These tips can make your home less of a target and make a thief think twice when deciding on a home to invade.