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Burglary Statistics – Don’t Become a Part of the Numbers

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Why do burglars target specific homes? Well, there are lots of factors that lead to a home being burglarized. So we urge you to read on, get informed, be prepared, and avoid becoming a part of the next burglary statistics.

Burglary Statistics by The Numbers

As previously noted, there is an average of 240 burglaries every hour in the United States which is the equivalent to 4 break-in’s every minute. The average cost of a burglary is $2,361, according to FBI Data. When you consider that the cost of a home security system can be as low as $9.99 per week, the potential savings in the dollar costs alone can make it worth investing in an alarm system. Unfortunately, the psychological effects of having your home burglarized cannot be valued by the dollar. Another unfortunate truth to the statistics is that they are not objective. So, if you live in an area with an average of 15% of homes being broken into and your neighbor has a break-in, that doesn’t reduce the chances of your home being the next target just because of the statistics.

Reasons A Home Is The Target of A Burglar

  • No sign of an alarm system – This makes the break-in easier.
  • Shrubbery/brush around the home – This helps hide a person from street view.
  • Corner lot or isolated home location – Burglars look for a quick get-away, and if there are less neighboring homes, this makes it an easier target.
  • The home backs up to an alley – Similar to a remote home, an alley allows for an easy way in and out of the house with limited chances of being noticed.
  • You live alone or with no kids – The fewer number of people living in the home equates to the fewer chances that someone will be home at the time of an attempted break-in.
  • The outskirts of your home are dark at night – If you don’t have good lighting surrounding your home at nighttime, then it makes it easier for someone to go undetected.

You can’t avoid all of the reasons burglary statistics for a home being target for burglaries. However, you can prepare by learning all of the facts and taking preventative measures.

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Educate Yourself to Protect Your Home and Know The Facts:

  • Most break-ins happen during the day when homeowners are at work or out running errands. Another high-crime situation is when you leave town. It’s not uncommon for thieves to watch your home and learn your patterns.
  • Most robbers break in through the front or back door. They look for the easiest and most “efficient” method of entry. It’s very important that you protect your home by locking all doors, windows, garages, basements, and any other potential entry point.
  • The first room they tend to go to is the master bedroom. It’s where the most valuable, but easiest target items are held. Although you typically picture a burglar walking out with your flatscreen TV, it’s actually much easier for them to grab a bagful of your valuable jewelry.

What Steps Do You Need to Take to Help Keep Burglars At Bay?

Since you can’t control where your home is located or who lives in it, consider the following steps to help prevent a break-in.

  1. Invest in a home security system
  2. Display the fact that you have an alarm system
  3. Use your alarm system. It’s surprising how many residents have a system installed but don’t regularly arm the system when away from home.
  4. Ensure landscaping is trimmed so all windows and doorways can be seen from the street.
  5. Properly light your home. Utilize motion-detecting floodlights in areas where there is little to no traffic (think side-yard).

Burglars look for the easiest target that potentially has the most value. They don’t consider the long-term consequences and want to get in and out of a home as fast as possible with the most loot. Don’t become a part of the burglary statistics, instead, take the preventative measures that we’ve outlined to protect yourself and your home. To get started, contact us to find the best system for your individual needs and security.