Signs Your Home May Be Inviting Burglars 

Every 26 seconds a break-in occurs across the United States, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). That means millions of Americans experience a burglary in their home annually. Chances are your family knows someone who has been victimized. 

The Mind of a Burglar

Burglars are typically deterred by a property that could be a challenge or risk to them getting caught by law enforcement. Deterrents often include home security systems, outdoor motion sensor lights, vigilant neighbors, modern locks, and cameras. These could be just enough to deter a criminal from considering targeting your home and making you one of the statistics. 

Some homeowners do not embrace security behaviors and inadvertently send signals to criminals looking for vulnerabilities on their property. Some believe that their neighborhood is safe, while others falsely believe that they have nothing of real value in their homes to steal. These misconceptions can lead to homes that are vulnerable, and potentially inviting burglars to attempt to break into your property.

Let’s explore some of the obvious signs that your home is not secure and thus a potential spot of interest for burglars. 

Your Home Is In Darkness 

Burglars love darkness as a way to conceal that they are on the property. Dark shadows at entry points, windows and doors that are shrouded by the night, and driveways that are kept dark are almost like welcome signs to a criminal who would like to avoid being caught. 

Homes that have lights at each entry point and along the darkest corners of the property are less likely to be penetrated by a criminal. The lights make it challenging to gain access to a front door, window, or driveway without being noticed. 

You Rarely Lock the Doors/Windows 

Burglars often “case” a home prior to attempting to gain access. If windows and doors are often left wide open, whether there is a car in the driveway or not, this may be a sign that your home is not as secure throughout the day. 

Door and window locks along with security sensors can give homeowners the heads up that someone is attempting to enter the home whether they are there or at work. These simple devices can be connected to your home security system and alert in case doors and windows are opened. 

You Practically Advertise That You Are Not Home 

Homes that are vacant can be easy to spot by an experienced criminal. Mail that has piled up, packages that have been outside for days, homes that are in darkness even at night, and social media posts that advertise your great vacation plans can give signals that your home is unattended and available to burglarize. 

Your Home Has No Security Measures 

Homes that have security signage, cameras, and visible security measures are less likely to have a burglary occur than those that do not. Even motion-detecting lights, timed indoor lighting, security locks, and sensors on doors and windows can be a deterrent. Security measures may be a good way to encourage a criminal to move on to the next house. 

For more information on home security systems and how you can make your home less inviting to criminals, talk to our team here at Instant Alarm.