How burglars choose a home to target

Coming home and finding out you’ve been robbed can be a very traumatising experience. The idea that your safe space is no longer safe can make anyone feel paranoid about what else can happen.

With that in mind, you must be wondering how burglars pick a target. Is it a random selection in a neighbourhood full of good prospects? Or is it a planned break-in that’s been brewing to happen for months?

Let’s take a look at the most common possible reasons why your house is an easy target by burglars:

1. Very distinct daily routine

A predictable daily pattern is something experienced burglars can easily pick on. Most of the time, burglars plan out days ahead before the actual break-in. They will observe the time you leave for work and get home, any school bus schedule, weekend routines and the like.

You don’t have to completely change your routine to avoid getting stalked by potential burglars. But it is really important that you are aware of the people you deal with, especially strangers around your neighbourhood.

2. No security system

Alarm systems or custom security camera systems may cost you a few more bucks but they are effective at keeping your home safe and deterring any break-ins.

Burglars will often survey houses that don’t have a good security system or the total lack of it. Seasoned burglars can also easily identify outdated and ineffective security cameras from new ones.

3. Unlocked doors and windows

With a busy lifestyle, it’s common to sometimes forget locking all your doors and windows especially if you believe you live in a secure neighbourhood. But you can never be too careful!

Remember, burglars don’t just try their luck in the front door. They’ll check every nook and cranny that they can pry open to get to your valuables. Always double check your doors and windows before leaving your house. Better yet, you can even have key card access systems installed for good measure.

4. Flashy lifestyle

Although you should be proud of your hard-earned possessions, being overly flamboyant about your valuables and wealth is not a good idea, especially if you don’t even have a reliable security system.

You don’t need to stop buying expensive TV sets or accessories. Just be sure they’re placed or kept at a fairly safe area in your home and away from windows where they can be easily seen.

5. Isolated areas

One of the things that burglars always look for when scouting targets is the location. Is the house around a busy neighbourhood or Is it located in a more isolated area? Do you live in a corner lot or is the house covered by a lot of trees? Houses with easy access and exits are the most common targets.

6. Secluded backyard

Nothing better invites a burglar than an easily accessible and secluded backyard. It checks out all the burglar’s list for an easy break-in.

Oftentimes when burglars choose a target, they will go for houses with the most convenient means of entrance and exit. A poorly guarded backyard is like a gateway to your valuables and safety.

Self-confessed burglars mentioned that intricate and well-secured backyards make it harder for a break-in and if it’s too risky, they won’t go through with the plan. The harder you make it for the burglars, the safer you will be from any incident.

A burglar’s shopping list

In the most unfortunate case that a burglar managed to break into your home, what are the most common things that they’re most likely to take?

Like most burglars, items that are small and have high value are at the top of their list. Smaller items are also faster to sell and dispose of compared to big electronics or furniture.

Here is a list of the most stolen items during a break-in:

• Jewellery – Jewellery and similar accessories are the easiest to carry away and sell to stores who buy precious metals and stones.

• Cash – It’s untraceable and can be used immediately for goods and services.

• Electronics – Smaller gadgets are more likely to be taken by burglars including laptops, tablets, cameras and mobile phones. Oftentimes, stolen gadgets pose a more serious threat of identity theft if your information is accessed.

• Designer clothing/items – Burglars have a knack for knowing which items and clothing have a great value and can be sold at a hefty price.

• Home décor and furniture – Although your furniture and household décor are harder to take because of their size, there’s still a possibility that your antique furniture, vases and paintings are targeted by burglars.

When and how burglars break in

Burglars always study a house carefully before they attempt to break into yours. They will consider the time you leave for work, the best exit routes and the neighbourhood you’re in.

Burglary is more likely to happen when you’re away for work around the afternoon rather than the middle of the night. This poses less risk of being caught. Many instances of burglary also happen around summertime where families are away for vacation.

Aside from memorising your schedule, burglars will try to know as much information as possible about the weakest points of your home. This includes checking for unlocked doors and windows.

Protecting your home

Although burglars continue to find new ways on how to bypass security measures, you can still prevent robbers from targeting your house.

Even with the simplest safety precautions, you can repel any potential break-ins. It’s just a matter of consistency and a healthy amount of scepticism.

Start by double-checking your door and window locks and replace anything that’s faulty with something new and more secure. Believe it or not, even just a loose door lock can easily be picked by expert burglars.

You can also coordinate with your neighbourhood associate or local government for any faulty streetlights you notice. A burglar will always target homes that aren’t easily seen.

And lastly, install a reliable security system for your home. Whether it’s a simple alarm system or a complete CCTV system, this technology can make a huge difference for your family’s safety.

If you don’t know where to start, you can consult with security installers in Sydney. These professional teams have years of experience in dealing with security threats and can offer you the best solutions to deter burglary and more.