Did You Know that Most Burglars Live 2 Miles from the Homes They Target?

It’s an unsettling fact: most burglars live just a couple of miles from the homes they target. They tend not to be the stereotypical “professional” burglars who break into a home armed with a weapon and threatening the homeowners. Instead, the more common scenario is a local criminal who finds an opportunity to break into a home.

These criminals are also more likely to go after the types of items that are easy to sell such as jewelry, electronics and other gadgets. Their motive is to turn these items over quickly and make a cash profit.

While there are no guarantees, there are many steps you can take to make your home less attractive to burglars and keep your valuables safe. Let’s take a closer look at the types of items that local criminals look for and the vulnerabilities that make homes a target.

What Do Local Burglars Steal?

In 2010, more than $13 billion of property was reported stolen, and the majority included:

• Money
• Electronics
• Jewelry
• Firearms
• Household goods
• Office equipment
• Clothing and furs
• Consumable goods

Of the billions of dollars of property that was stolen, only 21% of the value reported was recovered.

What are Some Other Things that Make Homes Vulnerable?

Burglars have two things on their mind: Getting the most valuables they can and getting out of the home as quickly as they can. This is why burglars are more likely to target the homes they know because they have a better idea of the types of possessions in the home and the residents’ habits of coming and going.

On average, burglars spend between 8-12 minutes in a home, and they tend to go through the front or back door. Also, homes in the middle of the block are more likely to be broken into than ones on corner lots. Once in, criminals tend to go after the following rooms:

• Master bedrooms: Burglars look for valuables like cash hidden in drawers and jewelry.

• Home offices: Criminals look for collectibles and electronics.

How Can I Keep My Home Safe?

There are many things you can do to keep your home safe from burglars. While nothing is a guarantee, being alert, aware and realistic is key. It’s also important to do the following:

• Have secure locks on doors and windows
• Install and maintain a home security system
• Have a secured safe
• Invest in motion-sensored lighting
• Keep shrubbery and vegetation trimmed

To learn more about keeping your home safe this summer and beyond, call Texas Security & Surveillance.