If you're keen to keep intruders off your property, then it's useful to know how burglars choose houses to steal from. Homeowners are busy and can sometimes forget to follow simple house security rules. Back doors are left unlocked, downstairs windows are left open and spare keys are hidden in obvious places.
In today's blog, we aim to answer the question 'how do burglars choose houses?' so that you can make conscious decisions that will keep your home safe.
Location
The location of your house is crucial for burglars. If you live on a quiet street where intruders are less likely to be seen by neighbours or passers-by, then that's a huge bonus. Houses near main roads are popular targets for burglars too because they make it easy to have a 'get-away' car nearby for an easy exit.
Burglars will also look at the properties in a particular area to determine whether there will be things of a high value to steal. A 'posh' neighbourhood might be chosen over a typically poorer area for example. Burglars might also look for houses with outbuildings and garages that might contain valuables, this means they won't have to disturb the main house where security systems are usually in place.
Access Points
Most burglars want to get in and get back out without being too conspicuous, for that reason, easy access points are very appealing.
When burglars are choosing houses, they're looking for doors and windows with vulnerable locks, back doors that may have been left open, and garage doors that might lead into the main house.
Windows are also easy access points. You'll be surprised what burglars will do to gain access to your home. If they can squeeze their bodies through the tiny open window in your bathroom - they will!
Signs you're away
Most burglars will look for obvious signs that you're out of the house when they're choosing a house to burgle. Being caught red-handed is not ideal, so they'll often wait until they're sure that you're off the property.
Contrary to popular belief, most burglaries take place during the day when it's more likely that you're away from the house working/running errands.
Things that burglars look out for are:
- Dark houses without lights on
- Bins that have been left out for collection
- Unruly gardens that haven't been tended in a while
- No obvious signs of a security system in place
How to make sure burglars don't choose your house
(or make sure you can catch them if they do...)
We all wish that burglars won't choose our houses to steal from, but sadly, you can never be 100% sure. For that reason, we always recommend investing in a good security system that will both deter burglars and provide you with the evidence you need in case you need to track them down.
Fitting an intruder alarm in your home is one thing, but combining this with a CCTV system or door entry system will provide you with the highest level of protection.
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Read More: Where Do Burglars Enter Your Home?
If you're interested in improving your home's security, contact us today and a member of the IDS team will be happy to help!
