What houses do burglars avoid?

Asked by: Jerrell Grimes  |  Last update: September 12, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (3 votes)

Houses with few or no security devices. Burglars are less likely to gain entry when a house has two or more security devices (including window locks, dead bolts, security lights, and alarms). 42 Studies of offenders show that burglars may avoid houses with good locks, burglar bars or other security devices.

What type of house gets robbed the most?

Which homes do burglars target?
  • Single-family detached homes in the middle of the neighborhood (as opposed to corner units, which are less likely to be burglarized).
  • Homes next to empty lots or without nearby neighbors.
  • High privacy hedges, bushes, and walls around the property.

What do burglars hate the most?

Why Invest in Burglar Deterrents?
  1. Home Security Cameras. Our best deterrent for burglars is the presence of an outdoor security camera. ...
  2. Outdoor Lighting. ...
  3. Smart Video Doorbell Cameras. ...
  4. Dogs. ...
  5. Security Gates. ...
  6. Keeping Open Spaces Around Your Home. ...
  7. An Alarm System. ...
  8. Get Friendly With Your Neighbors.

What houses are most likely to get burgled?

Either way, houses with entry points weakened by disrepair, residents who leave doors or windows unlocked routinely, or homes with weakened security (like broken alarms) are more likely to be successfully burgled.

Where do burglars go first?

Burglars often begin their search near the front door because it is a high-traffic area where people tend to leave essential items. Commonly, homeowners use these drawers and cabinets for storing car keys, spare cash, and important documents, making them an attractive target.

Do burglars really avoid houses with dogs?

39 related questions found

What are burglars scared of?

You may have already suspected it, but studies do confirm that burglars -- around 83% surveyed -- are scared off by signs that an alarm system is present, and one of the most straightforward is a literal sign or window sticker.

Does leaving TV on deter burglars?

Pro Tip: Along with leaving your TV on while you're away, you should also keep a few lights on inside and outside your home to keep burglars at bay.

What time do most break-ins happen?

Contrary to what we see on TV, most burglaries occur during the daytime, between 10 AM and 3 PM. This window presents an opportunity when kids will be at school and people are at work. The average burglar wants to break-in when no one is home.

What do burglars not steal?

Therefore, burglars are unlikely to steal any large or fitted appliances. Weapons and perishable items (like food and alcohol) are also unlikely to be stolen during a standard home invasion.

What makes a house more likely to be robbed?

Houses with few or no security devices.

Burglars are less likely to gain entry when a house has two or more security devices (including window locks, dead bolts, security lights, and alarms). 42 Studies of offenders show that burglars may avoid houses with good locks, burglar bars or other security devices.

How to scare robbers away?

Installing motion-activated floodlights and keeping them on at night can also be an effective way to scare burglars away and keep thieves or bandits away from your house. Any burglars who want to set foot on your property will soon find themselves in the spotlight.

Do Ring doorbells encourage burglars?

While Ring doorbells have gained popularity among homeowners, there is a growing concern about how these devices can actually attract burglars. According to experts, the presence of a Ring doorbell or any other security device can indicate to burglars that there are valuable items worth stealing.

How do you know if robbers are watching your house?

Common Signs Your House Is Being Cased
  • Sign #1: Parked but Occupied Vehicles. ...
  • Sign #2: A Knock on the Door. ...
  • Sign #3: Binoculars and Cameras. ...
  • Sign #4: Same Faces, Different Day. ...
  • Sign #5: Strangers in Your Yard. ...
  • Step #1: Cameras. ...
  • Step #2: A Home Security System. ...
  • Step #3: Consider a Dog.

What puts burglars off the most?

Security measures that put burglars off
  • Alarm Systems. Burglars hate alarm systems - and for very good reason! ...
  • Security cameras. CCTV cameras can also deter burglars from attempting to enter your home. ...
  • Barking dog. ...
  • A secure garden. ...
  • Access points. ...
  • Teamwork. ...
  • Obvious absence. ...
  • Social media oversharing.

How do robbers pick a house?

When looking at properties, burglars usually look for homes that appear to have valuables on site and where nobody is home. They also look for homes with concealed access points and plenty of places to hide. Below are a few of the indications they may look for: Nobody is home.

Do blinds stop burglars?

By putting good window coverings in front of your windows, burglars will no longer be able to see in. They will not know what they can get and will therefore refrain from trying to break into your home. Many window coverings contain cords that form a loop, with which the window covering can be opened and closed.

How do robbers mark your house?

Unusual Objects Around the Property: Objects like stones, bottles, or pieces of string placed around your property may also be used as markers for burglars. Unexpected Door Knocks or Phone Calls: Burglars sometimes knock on doors or make phone calls to check if anyone's home.

What really deters burglars?

Lights – inside or out

Motion detection lights (for exteriors) and lights on timers (inside your home) will give burglars less cover, and more reason to question whether or not your home is occupied.

What is the best weapon against burglars?

Here's a comprehensive guide to the 10 best non-lethal self-defense weapons to help you feel secure without compromising your values.
  1. Stun Guns. ...
  2. Pepper Spray. ...
  3. Personal Alarms. ...
  4. Tactical Pens. ...
  5. Kubotans. ...
  6. Self-Defense Keychains. ...
  7. Tasers. ...
  8. Expandable Batons.

How do burglars know you aren't home?

A Pile of Mail, Newspapers, or Packages. When a mound of Amazon boxes grows outside your front door, that's a clear indication no one's home to bring them in. The same goes for newspapers that are lining the driveway or mailboxes that are overflowing.

Do most burglars know their victims?

About half of burglars live within 2 miles of the homes they invade, and they are likely to know the victim. Most thieves commit home break-ins out of impulse decisions. Only about 12% of burglaries are planned ahead of time. 12% of burglars carry a firearm.

Do dogs deter burglars?

What Makes Burglars Avoid Homes? Dogs as Deterrents: A barking dog can deter nuisances and rank high among burglary deterrents but are not foolproof against determined criminals.

Do Ring doorbells actually deter burglars?

Stickle and other researchers are not convinced that Ring video doorbells are an effective deterrent. “The number of steps that it would take for video footage to be useful in a criminal case is pretty substantial,” noted Stickle.

Is it safe to unplug TV every night?

Leaving your TV on standby is not likely to result in a fire hazard. However, in the interest of safety, it is strongly recommended to turn your TV off at the wall. Unplugging your TV between uses can help to save a lot of electricity. Even when in standby, a TV continues to consume electricity!

Do burglars like lights on or off?

The burglars in this particular study did not come to a clear consensus on whether lighting was a sufficient deterrent: "Responses were mixed regarding lights on in a home. Some said it was a deterrent. But one burglar said the combination of lights on and blinds closed created an attractive location."