Most Common Houses Targeted By Burglars
By: River City Keys Locksmith Edmonton
Home burglaries are a significant concern for homeowners everywhere, including in Canada.
They can happen in any neighbourhood, and the emotional and financial toll can be substantial. Understanding the types of homes burglars commonly target can help homeowners take the necessary steps to improve security and reduce the risk of break-ins.
This article will explore the characteristics of houses that are most frequently targeted by burglars and provide actionable tips to help secure your home.
Let’s get right into it!
Homes Without Security Systems
One of the most obvious traits burglars look for is a house without a security system. Homes without visible security measures like alarms, cameras, or security signs are often seen as easy targets.
Burglars tend to avoid houses where they risk being recorded or triggering an alarm because it significantly increases their chances of getting caught.
Research shows that homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be broken into than homes with some kind of security in place. Installing a visible alarm system, surveillance cameras, or even motion-detecting lights can deter potential burglars.
Additionally, displaying a security company’s signage or stickers, even if you don’t have an alarm system, can make a potential intruder think twice.
Poorly Lit Properties
Dimly lit homes are another easy target for burglars. A house with poor exterior lighting offers more opportunities for intruders to approach unnoticed.
Burglars prefer to operate under the cover of darkness where they can avoid detection by both homeowners and neighbours.
Installing sufficient outdoor lighting, particularly motion-activated lights, can significantly reduce the risk of burglary. Ensuring that pathways, entrances, and the perimeter of your home are well-lit can make a big difference. Good lighting not only deters criminals but also increases the overall safety of your property.
Unoccupied Homes
Homes that appear vacant are prime targets for burglars. Whether a home is left empty due to a vacation, business trips, or simply because no one is home during the day, burglars will often take advantage of the opportunity.
Empty homes give burglars more time to break in and search for valuables without fear of someone returning.
To make your home look occupied when you’re away, you can use timers on lights, radios, or televisions. Smart home systems allow you to control your lights remotely, giving the impression that someone is home.
Additionally, arranging for a neighbour or friend to pick up your mail or shovel the driveway can prevent your home from looking neglected and empty.
Homes With Easy Entry Points
Burglars are always looking for the easiest way in, and homes with weak or easy-to-access entry points are highly attractive to them. This can include older doors with weak locks, unsecured windows, or even sliding doors that aren’t properly locked or reinforced.
Installing deadbolts, upgrading to reinforced doors, and ensuring all windows have secure locks can help protect your home.
For sliding doors, adding a security bar or dowel rod in the track can prevent it from being opened from the outside. Even small improvements, such as upgrading your locks to more secure models, can make your home less appealing to intruders.
Homes In Quiet, Isolated Areas
While living in a peaceful, secluded area may seem ideal, it can actually make your home more vulnerable to burglaries. Homes in low-traffic areas, especially those that are isolated or surrounded by trees or fences, provide burglars with more privacy to carry out their crime without being detected.
If you live in a more isolated area, consider enhancing your security measures by installing cameras, motion-detecting lights, or even adopting a security dog. In some cases, it might also be beneficial to install a neighbourhood watch program to keep an eye on each other’s homes and create a sense of community vigilance.
Homes With Overgrown Landscaping
Overgrown bushes, trees, and other landscaping can provide cover for burglars, allowing them to sneak up to your windows and doors without being seen. Homes with thick, untrimmed shrubs or trees near entry points are more attractive to burglars because they can conceal their movements.
Maintaining your yard and landscaping is a simple but effective way to improve your home’s security. Trim back bushes and trees that block windows or create hiding spots, and ensure there’s a clear line of sight from the street to your front door. By keeping your yard neat and well-maintained, you reduce the number of places a burglar can hide.
Homes With Visible Valuables
Burglars are more likely to target homes where they can see valuables through windows or in plain sight. Electronics, jewellery, and expensive tools or cars can all attract the wrong kind of attention. A house that appears to be full of high-value items will pique a burglar’s interest.
To minimize this risk, be mindful of what is visible from outside your home. Use curtains or blinds to cover windows, especially on ground-floor rooms. Store valuables in places that are less visible, and avoid leaving expensive items out in the open where they can be easily seen by passersby.
Homes Without Strong Neighbourhood Presence
Homes located in neighbourhoods where residents are not very familiar with each other are often more targeted by burglars. In neighbourhoods with strong community ties, people are more likely to notice suspicious activity and report it, while more isolated communities may not have the same level of vigilance.
Getting to know your neighbours and working together to keep an eye on each other’s homes can be an effective way to deter burglars. Some communities even organize neighbourhood watch programs to keep crime in check. The stronger the sense of community, the less likely burglars will feel comfortable targeting homes in the area.
Older Homes With Outdated Security
Older homes that have not been updated with modern security features are often more vulnerable to burglaries. Older doors, windows, and locks may not offer the same level of protection as newer, more secure models. Burglars often know which types of doors and windows are easier to bypass.
If you live in an older home, consider upgrading your locks, doors, and windows to more secure options. Newer technology, like smart locks or window sensors, can also offer added protection. By making these updates, you can help ensure your home is more secure.
Conclusion
Understanding the traits that make a home more appealing to burglars can help you take steps to protect your property. Whether it’s installing a security system, upgrading your locks, or simply maintaining your yard, every small improvement can make your home less attractive to criminals.
By being proactive about your home’s security and addressing potential vulnerabilities, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a target for burglary.
If you have any questions about our article “Most Common Houses Targeted By Burglars” or need locksmith services in Edmonton contact us at info@rckeys.com or connect with us on social media.
FAQs
1. What Are The Most Common Signs That Burglars Look For In A House? Burglars look for homes without security systems, poorly lit properties, easy entry points, and homes that appear unoccupied.
2. How Can I Make My Home Less Attractive To Burglars? Installing a security system, ensuring proper lighting, upgrading locks, and maintaining a lived-in appearance can all help deter burglars.
3. Do Security Cameras Really Deter Burglars? Yes, visible security cameras are a strong deterrent as burglars prefer to avoid homes where they might be recorded.
4. How Important Is Outdoor Lighting In Preventing Break-Ins? Very important. Outdoor lighting reduces the cover of darkness and makes it harder for burglars to approach undetected.
5. How Can I Make My Home Look Occupied When I’m On Vacation? Using timers on lights, asking neighbours to pick up your mail, and using smart home technology can help create the illusion of occupancy.
6. Are Burglars More Likely To Target Older Homes? Yes, older homes with outdated locks, windows, and doors are often easier targets for burglars.
7. Should I Invest In Smart Locks? Smart locks offer added security and convenience, making it harder for burglars to gain entry. They’re a worthwhile investment for home security.
8. How Can Landscaping Affect My Home’s Security? Overgrown bushes and trees can provide cover for burglars. Keeping your yard well-maintained improves visibility and reduces hiding spots.
9. What Are The Best Ways To Secure Sliding Doors? Using a security bar or dowel rod in the track of a sliding door can prevent it from being forced open.
10. How Can I Get My Neighbours Involved In Keeping My Home Safe? Creating a neighbourhood watch or simply communicating with your neighbours about keeping an eye on each other’s homes can be an effective deterrent for burglars.
