Top Ways Criminals Target Homes for Theft

The element of surprise may accompany home burglaries, but are they genuinely unforeseeable? Not quite. While criminals do possess an opportunistic nature, their actions are far from haphazard. They do not target every home. Instead, they look for properties offering ideal conditions. By acquainting yourself with criminals’ strategies, you can take proactive measures to safeguard yourself, your loved ones, and your property.

The Absence of Home Security Indicators

A lack of visible security measures is the first characteristic that criminals seek in a potential target. Consider this: a staggering thirty percent (30%) of all burglaries are directed at the mere four percent (4%) of homes with no security measures! This statistic is anything but coincidental. Moreover, the more advanced security technologies you implement, the lower the likelihood of your home falling prey to burglary.

Homes with noticeable signs of security precautions, such as video doorbells, video surveillance systems, and alarm systems, serve as potent deterrents since they significantly heighten the chances of apprehension. No criminal wishes to face capture.

Homes With Unlocked Windows and Doors

Criminals find homes with easily accessible entry points, particularly enticing. In most instances, criminals gain access through unlocked windows and doors on the first floor.

Valuables in Plain Sight

Thieves target homes with the greatest identifiable reward. This means homes with expensive television, computer equipment, or other expensive and highly sought items in the open attract criminal activity.

Ideal Location

Criminals tend to concentrate their efforts on homes situated in low-traffic areas, where the likelihood of encountering vigilant neighbors who would promptly report any criminal activity is minimal.

Areas with Previous Burglaries

It is no mistake that the frequency of prior burglaries in a given neighborhood directly correlates with the chances of your home becoming a target. Burglars tend to focus on areas where they have previously succeeded, possibly due to their familiarity with the layout of the houses or the scarcity of home security systems within the vicinity.

Opportunities to Conceal

Criminals search for homes with ample hiding spots to facilitate their illicit actions and shield their identities. Overgrown vegetation, privacy hedges, tall walls, and other physical obstructions provide cover, enabling criminals to enter and exit undetected.

Absence of Activity

A home devoid of activity acts as a magnet for criminal endeavors. Accumulated newspapers or uncollected mail, the absence of illuminated lights, and an overall lack of unpredictable signs indicating human presence signify to potential criminals that your home is an ideal target.

Exploiting Social Media

Criminals are not exempt from social media usage; they, too, are active participants. For them, social media platforms represent the perfect tool to narrow down their list of potential targets. All it takes is a rough idea of your location and access to Google Street View for them to begin surveying your residence. Check-in applications and vacation photos posted online to serve as beacons to the world, signaling that you are away and that your home is ripe for exploitation.

How to Avoid Becoming a Target

Get comprehensive security with video surveillance and monitoring.
Keep your doors locked.
Use home automation to make the home look occupied.
Never let mail or packages pile up.
Keep valuables out of view.
Use outdoor lighting.
Do not provide places to hide.
Start or join a neighborhood watch program.

About Indiana Alarm

Interested in Home Security? Indiana Alarm is a locally owned and operated company specializing in residential and commercial security. We protect your home or business with top-notch residential security solutions. For more information about our services, please call 317-399-5748

Call Indiana Alarm 317-399-5748