It might evoke cartoon imagery of nighttime prowlers, but burglary is one of the most common and devastating forms of property crime known today. In this blog entry, the residential and commercial lock installation and security hardware experts here at SOS Locksmith will answer some of the most common questions that we regularly get asked about burglary and home and business security.
What makes your home appealing to burglars?
Burglars are attracted to homes in which valuables are conspicuous, and homes that are obviously empty. Don’t leave valuables in clear sight in your windows, and if you’re leaving your home, especially for an extended amount of time, install timers on interior and exterior lights, ask neighbors to collect mail and deliveries, ensure all doors and windows are locked, and, ideally, leave a car parked in the driveway.
How common are burglaries exactly?
Burglaries are very common in the United States. According to a 2021 SafeHome study, around 47 percent of Americans have experienced property crime of some kind, with around 41% of these people having experienced a burglary.
What times do burglaries most commonly occur?
It’s estimated that most burglaries occur during the daytime, between 10 AM and 3 PM.
What’s the most common way for burglars to enter a home?
Burglars can enter homes in tons of ways including windows, sheds, garages, basements, attics, and, of course, doors. The top entry point for burglars are the front door – and a surprising amount of burglars simply walk in through an unlocked front door.
What are some ways to deter burglars?
The top ways to deter burglars – besides having a strong set of high security deadbolt locks – include:
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Outdoor Lighting
Install exterior lighting at your home, ideally motion sensor automatically activating lighting.
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Security Cameras
Install a form of surveillance camera at your home, in easy to see, but hard to reach locations at all accessible exterior doors of your home, including back doors. Security cameras can function as both a deterrent towards burglars as well as a way to automatically detect a burglary in progress in order to notify the authorities.
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Alarm Systems
Alarm systems function as both passive security deterrence and active security. Many burglars will try to determine if a home is protected with an alarm system before even considering attempting a burglary. Alarm systems function as active protection by automatically calling and notifying authorities if a burglary in progress is detected – making it likely that the burglar will be caught on the spot (with silent alarms) or that the burglar will be scared away with the loud blaring noise of the activated alarm.
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Neighborhood Relationships
It’s a good idea to maintain solid relationships with your neighbors. Besides advice listed on our blog, like asking neighbors to remove mail or packages from the front of your home, solid neighborhood relationships will make it more likely that people will keep an eye on your property when you’re away, and that if a burglary is actively attempted, that one of your neighbors will look out for you by scarring the burglar away or calling the authorities.
