What Makes a Home an Easy Target for Burglars
Your home could be an easy target for burglars without you even realizing it.
When we think about burglary, it’s easy to let our imaginations run wild with ideas from popular movies and cartoons. Maybe you picture a masked intruder tiptoeing around at night, making off with your valuables while you sleep—or worse, a violent confrontation where you, the innocent homeowner, must defend yourself and your family against a hardened criminal.
The reality is that most burglaries are quiet, calm, and quick. The majority happen during the daytime when people are at work or school. According to the National Council on Crime Prevention, 34% of burglars simply walk in through the front door.
A skilled criminal doesn’t need to sneak through your yard or even your neighborhood. They’re often looking for just a few indicators to decide whether they’ll be able to successfully break in and escape unnoticed.
Here’s What Burglars Are Looking for in Their Next Target:
Valuables left in plain sight (or signs of high-value belongings)
Leaving expensive vehicles parked outside can draw the wrong kind of attention. Of course, you already know to lock up big-ticket items like boats, ATVs, jet skis, or luxury motorcycles—but an observant burglar might already suspect you have expensive taste based on bumper stickers or vanity plates.
Keep high-value items out of sight. There’s no need to make it easy for passersby to spot large TVs, high-end electronics, or other expensive goods through your windows. When you’re away, turn off bright screens and close the shades in ground-level rooms with valuable furnishings.
Concealed entryways or private escape points
While you may appreciate privacy, so do burglars. High fences that keep nosy neighbors out also prevent those same neighbors from spotting an intruder trying to break in.
An overly shielded backyard can also serve as a hidden escape route once a burglar has taken what they came for. A front-door security camera can only do so much—it won’t help if the intruder avoids the front entrance altogether.
Outdated or nonexistent home security measures
Criminals are more likely to target homes with weak security. The fewer barriers to entry, the better. A house with no cameras or alarm system is far easier to break into undetected than one with modern, active surveillance.
Door and window quality matter, too. Flimsy window screens and doors with old locks stand out to anyone looking for an easy target.
Poor home maintenance and signs of vacancy
Going out of town and looking forward to a break from lawn care? Think again. Common vacation indicators—overgrown grass, piled-up mail, and lights left off for days—can make your home an obvious target, especially if property crimes are already high in your area.
If you’re away for an extended time or split your year between two properties, take extra steps to make sure your home doesn’t appear unattended.
Isolated locations surrounded by vacant properties or low foot traffic
You may have noticed a pattern in this list: The best conditions for burglary are when no one is around to witness or stop it. Living in a new development isn’t just lonely—it can also be risky.
While you can’t always increase foot traffic overnight (especially in rural areas), you can take steps to better secure your home and deter criminals.
Consider These Easy Steps to Avoid Becoming a Burglary Victim:
- Build good habits
Whether you’re home or away, get in the habit of:
- Closing your garage door
- Locking windows when you leave the room
- Keeping doors closed and secured
- Be a good neighbor
Stay informed about local crime and work with neighbors to improve community safety. Join a neighborhood watch, help keep an eye on others’ homes when they’re away, or simply get to know your neighbors. Even small efforts can make a big difference in preventing break-ins.
- Upgrade your home security
If you haven’t already, consider simple improvements like surveillance cameras and alarm systems. Sometimes, just a security sign in your yard can deter burglars.
- Prevent burglaries altogether with Bulldog Home Security Screens
Bulldog Home Security Screens come with a no-break-in guarantee and are made with 304 stainless steel, non-corrosive woven mesh—strong enough to withstand a Category 4 hurricane. Unlike other safety measures, these screens reinforce your home’s exterior, stopping intruders no matter how hard they try.
Burglaries are often crimes of opportunity, meaning they happen with minimal planning. Even if you follow every safety precaution, it only takes one desperate intruder to shatter your sense of safety at home. Bulldog Home Security Screens provide peace of mind to homeowners and business owners alike with powerful home security screens that stop break-ins on the spot. Contact one of our security screen experts today for a free estimate.
