Burglary is a serious crime and one that many worry about experiencing. As well as the financial loss and damage that a break-in and theft can cause, the emotional damage and feeling violated and unsafe in your own home is also something not to be taken lightly. It is therefore important to understand what attracts burglars to homes in order to protect your property, deter thieves and keep your loved ones safe.
The top factors that attract burglars to homes
There were over 266,000 burglaries in England and Wales within the last year. To stop your home from becoming a target let’s look at the several factors that can attract burglars to your home.
Vulnerability
A vulnerable-looking property is a top attraction for criminals when it comes to committing a burglary. Homes that look unoccupied or not secure are key factors burglars will look for when picking out a target, such as broken windows, open doors, overgrown gardens or a build-up of post or newspapers. Burglars want an easy target with a low risk of getting caught. Choosing a home that looks empty or easy to enter is therefore very attractive to them.
Valuable Items
Another top factor that attracts burglars to homes is the presence of valuable items and high signs of wealth. High-value items, such as jewellery, laptops, expensive electronics and car keys that are left on display significantly increase your chance of being a target of burglary. By leaving these items out, you are not only showing what expensive items you have, but are also giving a criminal easy access to them.
Location
Unfortunately, the location of your home can also make you more of a target for burglars. If your home is located in an area of increased crime, you are automatically more likely to be at risk of burglary. In addition, homes that are isolated and away from other homes are also likely to attract criminal activity. This is because they are not overlooked and the burglar is less likely to be caught by passers-by or neighbours.
Security
The level of home security you have will also impact the attractiveness of your home to potential burglars. Properties will low or no security are attractive factors as it means a burglar can break into your home unnoticed and without raising an alarm.
How to keep your home protected against burglars
We’ve covered the factors that can attract burglars to your home, but what are the things you can do to protect yourself and your property against them and from being a target of burglary?
Keep your property well-maintained
To protect your home from burglars, it’s important to make sure your property looks occupied and well-maintained. Fix broken windows or doors as soon as possible before potential criminals can catch sight of them, and keep on top of your house maintenance. Things like keeping your garden tidy and fences secure, make your home look like you take good care of it and therefore are hot on protecting it!
Keep valuables out of sight
Become well-practised at putting your valuable items away and keeping them out of sight, whether you are in your house or not. Criminals will often look through windows and see if they can any valuable items lying around when choosing a target. Not only can left-out valuables result in a quick ‘break-in and grab’ theft, but it also indicated that you may have other expensive items too, potentially leading to a more thought-out burglary. Common left-out valuables include car keys on a table near the front door and laptops on kitchen tables. Make sure to put these items in drawers or out of site when you’re not using them.
Be vigilant
Be vigilant when it comes to your home’s security and your personal safety. Making sure windows and doors and locked and secure when you go out, as well as at night are important habits to have. Although they seem simple, the majority of burglaries take place through an open door or window! A study found that nearly 59% of burglaries take place via the front of a property.
Make it look occupied
The majority of burglars will always choose a vacant house over an occupied one. As stated before, they don’t want to get caught and want as easy a target as possible. Therefore it’s important to always make your home look occupied, especially if you’re away or on holiday. For example, putting lights on timers to make it look like someone is home in the evening is a great way to put off a burglar. In addition, don’t let your post build up and ask a neighbour to park in your driveway.
Install a high-quality home security system
Installing a high-quality home security system is a great way to protect your home against burglar and theft, as well as other criminal activity. Systems such as CCTV, an intruder alarm and motion-censored lighting are all effective in deterring burglars and stopping your home from becoming a target. In fact, a home security system is one of the first things criminals look for when choosing a target.
Home security with Homewatch
At Homewatch, we take home security seriously and know the devastating impacts an intrusion can have on you and your household. We install high-quality smart home security systems that are tailored to you and your needs. With over 30 years of home security experience, we have effective solutions for properties across the country.
Speak to the team to discuss your security needs and how to keep your home protected by calling 0330 094 7404.
