What homes do burglars avoid?
Asked by: Lilly Thompson | Last update: June 20, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (47 votes)
Burglars generally avoid houses with high visibility, active security measures, and signs of occupancy, seeking easy, quick, and quiet targets. Key deterrents include visible surveillance cameras, monitored alarm systems, barking dogs, deadbolt locks, and well-lit exteriors. Homes that look occupied—with cars in the driveway, maintained landscaping, and no piled-up mail—are also avoided.
What type of house gets robbed the most?
Corner houses are often targeted due to having at least one side with no neighbours, and thieves will go to the back or side of the property as fences provide coverage. Advice: Ensure potential burglars have limited coverage. This increases the chances of them being seen, should they attempt to break in.
What do burglars hate the most?
Burglars most fear detection and high-effort targets, specifically avoiding homes with active, visible security measures. They hate security cameras, loud alarm systems, motion-sensor lighting, and barking dogs. Making a house look occupied, using deadbolts, and maintaining nosy neighbors are top deterrents to avoid becoming a target.
Where do burglars not look in the house?
A good place to hide valuables could be the entrance area, for example, as it is often overlooked. An unused fireplace can also be used as a hiding place: simply remove the cover, place valuables inside and then close it again. It is unlikely that a thief will look there. Solid furniture is rarely moved by thieves.
Where do most burglars enter the home?
Burglars usually break into homes through accessible, low-visibility areas, with 34% entering via the front door. Other major entry points include first-floor windows (23%), the back door (22%), and garages (9%). They often target homes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., prioritizing convenience and speed.
6 Home Security Hacks Proven to Stop Break Ins
What hiding places do looters never check?
Here are 6 clever places to hide your valuables in your home:
- 1) Library or a Study Room. Home library or office room with bookshelves. ...
- 2) Garage. Most homeowners have a garage or a storage room as a part of their houses. ...
- 3) Safe or a Locker. ...
- 4) Kitchen cabinets and appliances. ...
- 5) Kid's room.
What devalues a house most?
Major structural issues, neglected maintenance, and poor location factors—such as high crime or proximity to undesirable areas—devalue a house the most. Immediate deal-breakers include failing roofs, foundation damage, outdated electrical systems, and unpermitted renovations. Over-customizing, poor curb appeal, and bad DIY repairs also significantly hurt home value.
What is the #1 deterrent for burglars?
Visible security cameras, motion-sensor lighting, and visible alarm systems are the top deterrents for burglars. Intruders prefer to avoid risks, making surveillance cameras the #1 deterrent. Signs indicating a security system can prevent up to 80% of break-ins, while noise, such as barking dogs, is also highly effective.
What time of day do most burglaries happen?
The most common times for break-ins occur between 10 am and 3 pm. Rather than being guarded by night, most burglars choose the daytime to attempt a break-in, targeting homes when they believe no one will be present.
What scares thieves away?
External lighting. Lighting is a good deterrent and is recommended at doors as it makes it safer for you when coming and going after dark.
What is the #1 stolen item?
1. Cash. Cash is always on the top of burglars' wish list. Unlike other most commonly stolen items that need to be resold in pawn shops or on the street, cash can be used directly and quickly without any conspicuous.
How to outsmart a burglar?
Frequently asked questions
- Install a comprehensive security system.
- Reinforce your doors like a fortress.
- Secure your windows from easy entry.
- Use smart lighting and motion detectors.
- Outsmart burglars with smart tech.
- Don't forget your garage and shed.
- Eliminate exterior hiding places.
- Secure valuables and entry-point items.
Do burglars knock on the door at night?
Regardless of the time of day or night, when a stranger knocks on the door, it can be uncomfortable or even frightening. While we hope that no one tries to break into your home, a common tactic burglars use is to knock on someone's door to see if anyone is there before entering.
What is the easiest item to steal?
Jewelry is an easy thing for burglars to steal because, like cash, it is untraceable. Burglars can easily take your jewelry to pawn shops to turn your valuables into cash for themselves. This is why it is so important to keep your jewelry safe.
How do robbers pick a house?
Robbers typically pick houses that offer easy access, low visibility, and obvious signs of vacancy, focusing on maximum payoff with minimum risk. They target homes during the day (usually 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when residents are at work or school) with overgrown landscaping, lack of security, and easy getaway routes.
What are the odds of you getting robbed?
The overall chances of being robbed in the US are relatively low, with estimated robbery rates around 81.6 per 100,000 inhabitants as of 2019, or roughly a 0.08% chance annually. Risks are highly localized,, with higher incidents in large cities and lower rates in rural areas.
Does leaving a light on at night deter burglars?
Leaving a light on at night is a moderate deterrent, but not as effective as motion-sensor lighting. While it eliminates dark hiding spots, a constant light can signal an empty home if left on 24/7 or for days, potentially attracting burglars. Active, irregular lighting patterns suggest occupancy, which is more effective.
How long do most burglaries take?
Of those that plan the burglary, almost half do so within 24 hours [4]. The average thief takes less than 12 minutes to burglarize your home [2].
What season has the most burglaries?
While many people are planning weekend getaways and long summer vacations, criminals are hard at work planning their next burglary. July and August are the worst months for burglaries, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). Of the 1.2 million burglaries that occur each year, many are avoidable.
Are you less likely to get robbed if you live in an apartment?
As I was researching, I was surprised to find that some believe apartments to be more secure than homes because there are less points of entry. While that may be true, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, renters are twice as likely to be burglarized than homeowners.
How to scare trespassers?
Effectively scaring trespassers involves maximizing visibility and creating the impression of surveillance, rather than using dangerous, illegal methods. Key tactics include installing bright motion-sensor lighting, using cameras with two-way audio to speak to intruders, displaying clear "No Trespassing" signage, and maintaining a well-kept, secure perimeter.
Do Ring doorbells actually deter burglars?
Can Ring doorbells really prevent burglaries? They can help deter opportunistic intruders and capture useful footage, but they work best as part of a wider security strategy.
What makes a home look outdated?
Outdated home features often include popcorn ceilings, heavily textured walls, honey oak cabinetry, and brass fixtures from the 1990s. Other telltale signs include vertical blinds, beige carpeting, laminate countertops, and excessive wallpaper borders. Updating lighting, hardware, and paint colors is a simple way to modernize a space.
At what age do homes start losing value?
Once sellers reach about age 70, they start getting lower sale prices for their houses compared with younger homeowners, according to a January research brief published by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. On a typical home price of $405,400, a 5% lower price would mean missing out on $20,270.
What is the biggest red flag in a home inspection?
The biggest red flag in a home inspection is significant structural failure, particularly issues related to the foundation, as it affects the entire home and is extremely costly to repair. Other top-tier red flags include chronic water intrusion/mold, outdated electrical systems, and major hidden termite damage.