Do most burglars know their victims?

65% of people who've been burglarized know the burglar. No one wants to imagine a scenario where they are being burglarized, and we wouldn't wish home burglary on anyone. What's more, the majority of burglaries were committed by people who knew their victims, according to a 2020 SafeAtLast report.


How do burglars choose their victims?

Look for vulnerable folks (elderly, those living alone, easy targets, etc.) Opportunistic (very little forethought or planning) Desirability of property (smarter criminals) Casing the property (usually over days or weeks before the break in)

Do most burglars get caught?

How many burglars get caught? The average arrest rate for burglaries is only 13% in the US. This small percentage is because most burglars do not leave behind any physical evidence such as fingerprints or hair and most burglaries are not witnessed.


What percentage of burglars return?

Unfortunately, after one “successful” burglary, intruders are likely to come back and target the same home again. Some studies show that only 1.2% of burgled residences experienced 29% of all burglaries. Repeat burglaries also often occur quickly after the first one—25% within one week and 51% within one month.

What attracts thieves?

What Attracts Burglars to Homes?
  • Easy Access. Plotting a break-in begins with finding entry and exit spots. ...
  • Indications You're Away. ...
  • Low Security and Visibility. ...
  • Lock Your Doors. ...
  • Don't Leave First-Floor Windows Open. ...
  • Don't Let Mail Pile Up. ...
  • Wait to Post Vacation Photos. ...
  • Hide Valuables.


Inside the Mind of a Thief | Burglar Confessions



What do burglars fear most?

Top 10 deterrents for burglars
  • CCTV camera.
  • Sound of a barking dog.
  • Strong, heavy doors.
  • TV that has been switched on.
  • Locked UPVC windows.
  • Cars parked on driveway.
  • Overlooking property.
  • Surrounding fences.


Which houses do burglars avoid?

For this reason, burglars usually avoid two story homes, since these items will more than likely be upstairs in the master bedroom and burglars like to minimize the time they stay in a home. For this same reason, burglars usually avoid apartments located on the higher floors.

What house is most likely to be burgled?

This probably reflects regional architectural differences. Either way, houses with entry points weakened by disrepair, residents who leave doors or windows unlocked routinely, or homes with weakened security (like broken alarms) are more likely to be successfully burgled.


What day of the week do most burglaries happen?

The likelihood of falling victim to burglary varies not only by month but also, would you believe it, by day of the week! According to cooperative insurer's research theft is most likely to occur on a Friday. Around 40% of break ins occur during the day whilst 60% take place during the evening or at night.

What rooms do burglars target?

What items do burglars look for in a home?
  • The first place most burglars look is the master bedroom [2].
  • Many burglars then move on to a study, library, or office where electronics are located.
  • Bathrooms are also popular, where the thief goes through your medicine cabinet.


Where do burglars not look?

Your attic is not likely to be visited by a burglar because they are usually hard to find and access. So, it is always a good idea to store valuables in attic storage containers. As an extra safety precaution make sure to mark them with labels like “winter clothes” or “old shoes” to throw a burglar off of your scent.


What time of day do most home invasions occur?

Frequent home invasions happen between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm when the home owners are commonly away from the home. However, 27.6% of all home burglaries, someone is home during a burglary.

Will burglars hurt you?

Fortunately, unlike movies, most burglars are looking to steal your belongings, not harm you. It's still pretty terrifying, though, to wake up in the middle of the night and realize someone else is in your house—and one can't exactly read a burglar's mind or know his or her intentions.

What makes you a target for burglary?

As for what burglars want to see when checking a house, they look for a property that has easy access to enter and exit without being seen. Here are some of the other things they look for: Unlocked windows and doors, open windows, doggy doors, and open garages are all signs a home may be easy to enter.


How do I know if my house is being targeted?

7 Signs Your House is Being Watched
  • Ads, Stickers, and Flyers. ...
  • Strange Markings. ...
  • Unfamiliar People and Cars on the Street. ...
  • Request for Emergency Assistance. ...
  • Unlocked Doors and Windows. ...
  • Broken Outdoor Lights. ...
  • Increased Door-to-Door Activities. ...
  • Record the observations.


Where do burglars go first?

Near the Door and windows

Doors and windows are the common entry points for burglars. They are very much aware that the most common place anyone could hide their house key is near the front door. Many people chose to hide their house key in the front portion for ease and convenience.

How long do burglars stay in a house?

The FBI tells us that the average home burglary only takes between eight to 10 minutes, with some taking as little as 90 seconds. Burglars only have the chance to grab a few of your valuable possessions with such a small window of opportunity. What kind of items do intruders typically target?


Which are the most common things that burglars steal apart from money?

Here are the top items in the burglars' wish list that they take during a break-in and the places that they usually look in:
  • Cash. Why do burglars steal at all? ...
  • Jewellery and watches. ...
  • Small electronics. ...
  • Medicines. ...
  • Designer clothing and accessories. ...
  • Keys. ...
  • Personal information. ...
  • Food, alcohol, and grocery items.


What time of night do most burglaries occur?

Thieves Tend to Break In Between 10 AM and 3 PM

Everything You Should Know, Hollywood simply has it wrong. There will always be exceptions. Some burglars do choose to break in at night, so it's a good idea to have security measures no matter the time.

Why do burglars avoid corner homes?

Homes in high-visibility places, like on corner lots, are far less likely to be broken into. There are simply too many potential ways to be seen.


Are burglars usually someone you know?

65% of people who've been burglarized know the burglar. No one wants to imagine a scenario where they are being burglarized, and we wouldn't wish home burglary on anyone. What's more, the majority of burglaries were committed by people who knew their victims, according to a 2020 SafeAtLast report.

What are burglars looking for in a house?

Burglars are after anything valuable you have at home, like electronics, designer clothing, firearms and even furniture. If these items are easily accessible, it's possible a thief could steal them. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to protect your personal items from being stolen in a break-in.

How can I make my house less attractive to burglars?

5 Ways to Make Your Home Less Attractive to Burglars—so They Pass You by
  1. Get a fence. Burglars want to get in and out of a home within a few minutes. ...
  2. Leave the dog outside. If you have a dog, get a “Beware of Dog” sign and display it clearly. ...
  3. Trim bushes and shrubs. ...
  4. Light walkways. ...
  5. Put away your ladder.


What type of people are burglars?

Your average burglar is generally non-violent, unemployed or retired and a repeat offender. He probably works alone, lives not too far away and may just be doing it for the thrill.

Should you leave lights on at night?

No, leaving lights on can make intruders think that you're not home. Use a motion sensor light that turns on when you, or anyone else, comes near so you have light only when you need it.
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