How Do Burglars Break Into Your House | Tips On How to Prevent It

Every homeowner should be aware of the potential risks of burglary and take the necessary steps to protect their property. In this article, we’ll discuss how do burglars break into your house, and provide tips on how to prevent it. By understanding the tactics burglars use, you can make your home less attractive to potential intruders and increase the security of your property.

Why Do Burglars Break Into Your House 

One of the most common questions we get from homeowners is why burglars break into homes. While there’s no set answer, there are a number of reasons. However, we believe that burglars break into homes for one simple reason, money.

Here’s what we believe:

Burglars break into homes for one simple reason, money.
Burglars seek out safe targets.
Burglars stop when they realize there’s no easy way out.

1. Burglars break into homes for one simple reason, money.
Burglars break into homes for cash. In fact, it’s quite common for them to take an expensive wedding ring or other items that could be pawned for cash. There’s not much incentive for burglars to burgle a home with no cash lying around for the taking.

2. Burglars seek out safe targets.
Burglars recognize that a house in which no one is home is a safe target. One of the easiest ways to determine if someone is home or not is whether or not they have a pet. If there’s an animal in the workplace, it’s a safe target.

3. Burglars stop when they realize there’s no easy way out.
Burglars typically encounter two primary barriers during the commission of a crime. The first being a lock, and the second being an alarm. Burglars tend to avoid homes with lots of locks and alarms, opting for homes with no locks and no alarms, like the home next door.

4. Burglars look for easy targets.
Burglars look for easy targets. If they only have to break into one home, they are more likely to choose a home with no alarm system. Outsmart burglars by adopting these 8 tips to make your home less attractive to crooks.

Common Entry Points for Burglars

Burglars break into homes using a variety of methods. Some of the most common entry points include:

• Front Door

  Many thieves target front doors, particularly if they are not securely locked or have weak locks. A skilled burglar can easily pick a lock or force their way through a door with a weak deadbolt.

• Back Door

  A back door is often less visible than a front door, making it an attractive target for burglars. An unlocked door or one with weak locks can be quickly and easily breached.

• Garage Doors

  Garage doors are another common entry point for burglars. They may use a garage door opener to gain access or simply break in through an unlocked garage door. Check our blog post here on how to properly secure your garage doors.

• First-floor Windows

  Most burglaries occur through first-floor windows that are left open or are not securely locked.

• Pet Doors

  Pet doors, such as medium and small doggie doors and kitty doors, can provide burglars with access to your home. Not all burglars are deterred by a pet door, especially if they think they can fit through it.

Common Tricks Burglars Use

To better protect your home, it’s essential to understand the common tricks burglars use to gain access. Some of these tactics include:

• Pretending to be a utility worker or salesperson: This ruse allows the would-be thief to scope out your home and determine if it’s an easy target.

• Looking for a spare key: Many homeowners make the mistake of leaving a spare key hidden outside their home, making it easier for burglars to gain access.

• Checking for unlocked doors and windows: Burglars often check for unlocked doors and windows, as these are the easiest entry points.

• Casing the neighborhood: A skilled burglar may spend time observing the homes in a neighborhood, looking for patterns and vulnerabilities.

Tips on How to Prevent Home Break-Ins

By taking a proactive approach to home security, you can reduce the likelihood of a break-in. Here are some tips to help you keep your home safe:

By taking a proactive approach to home security, you can reduce the likelihood of a break-in.

Here are some tips to help you keep your home safe:

1. Install deadbolt locks on all exterior and side doors: Deadbolt locks provide a higher level of security than standard locks and can deter most burglars.

2. Secure all windows: Ensure that all first-floor windows are securely locked and consider installing window locks or bars for added protection.

3. Keep your garage door closed and locked: An open garage door is an invitation for a break-in.

4. Keep your garage door closed and locked, and never leave the garage door opener in an easily accessible location.

5. Make pet doors secure: Install a pet door that can be locked or consider an electronic pet door that only opens when your pet is nearby.

6. Install a Door Security system: Security systems can deter burglars and alert you to any break-ins.

7. Make sure to prominently display signs indicating that your home is protected by a door security system.

8. Use exterior lighting: A well-lit exterior can deter burglars by making it harder for them to approach your home undetected. Install motion-activated lights or keep your porch light on during the night.

9. Install security cameras: Security cameras can provide valuable evidence in the event of a break-in and may also deter would-be thieves. (check here for the different CCTV cameras and their usage)

10. Eliminate hiding spots: Trim bushes and trees near your home to eliminate hiding spots for burglars.

11. Secure your home when you’re away: Make your home appear occupied even when you’re not there by using timers for lights, TVs, and radios.

12. Get to know your neighbors: Neighbors can help keep an eye on your property and report any suspicious activity.

13.  Keep your valuables out of sight: Make sure to keep valuable items and valuables out of sight.

14. Install Doors and Windows Sensors: Install sensors on your doors and windows to alert you if they are opened when you’re not home.

15. Secure your perimeter: Install a fence or hedge around your property to make it harder for burglars to enter your home.

16. Install an alarm system: An alarm system will sound an alert and contact the police if a break-in is detected.

17. Keep Front Yard Secure: Install motion-sensor lights or floodlights in your front yard. This will deter burglars from entering your property.

18. Don’t leave a spare key outside: Burglars have been known to dig for people’s spare keys by digging around outside. If you have one, either don’t put it outside or hide it in a difficult-to-find place.

What to Do When You Suspect a Burglar is Coming

When you suspect a burglar may be coming, it’s important that you take the necessary steps to protect your home and family. First, call the police immediately. Make sure all doors and windows are securely locked and that any pets are safely contained.

If you have an alarm system, activate it and make sure any motion detectors are set up. Turn off all lights and stay quiet, as burglars will be less likely to enter your home if they think no one is home.

Lastly, if the burglar does enter your home, stay calm and avoid confrontation. Secure yourself in a room and call the police again. Do not attempt to go after the burglar or confront them in any way.

Conclusion

It is clear that burglars have a variety of methods for breaking into your home. By learning about these tactics, you can better protect your home and family from the threat of burglary. From installing deadbolts to strengthening windows, securing your home is the best way to protect yourself and your possessions.

However, the most effective way to ensure your home is safe is by investing in a home security system provider. With Go Safer Security, you can rest easy knowing that your home is being monitored 24/7 and that you can be alerted if an intruder is detected. Don’t wait. Make the smart decision and protect your home and family today. Go Safer Security – get safe, stay safe.