When most homeowners think of burglary and home invasion, they think of criminals who have already picked out a target and make a careful plan for a robbery. However, recent statistics show that most robberies are not planned and the individuals who commit them do so because they need money on the spot and break into a home hoping to find one or more things of value. Because of the number of burglaries that are committed by people who have not planned them, homes that are in secluded locations and appear to be unoccupied from the street are at the highest risk for a break-in.
One factor that influences many burglars is location. They usually operate within 5 to 10 miles of their homes. When scouting out neighborhoods for possible targets, they look for areas near major traffic arteries, expressways or [sic] throughfares that may offer a quick getaway. Usually they avoid houses on dead-end streets, cul-de-sacs, or circles,” says columnist Edward Lapinski.
This means that a house that is set apart from other houses on a street, such as one on a corner or at the end of the road, may be at higher risk for a break-in.
The appearance of a home also may have a great deal to do with whether or not it is targeted for a spur-of-the-moment robbery. Homesthat look unoccupied are at risk, so authorities suggest that if homeowners must be away from their homes, even during the day, they ask a close neighbor to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity or take in the mail so the house does not appear empty. Contrary to what many people think, most burglaries do not take place at night, but during the day when the family is out working or at school.
Homeowners should also take steps to make sure that their security measures are highly visible to would-be thieves, such as installing security bars on their front windows or installing cameras over entranceways. Even if these cameras are fake, they will usually deter a spur-of-the-moment thief. Homeowners should also take in their trash receptacles and keep their garages closed and locked. Some thieves will try and break into a garage if they believe there is easier access there. Homeowners can also install deadbolts and keyless entry systems on their doors in place of a wireless high-tech in order to turn away daytime burglars.
Zach Jefferson
Author – Zach has six years under his belt as a marketing manager within the home security industry. He is in charge of keeping site information as accurate as possible, while developing new content ideas for consumers.