Unfortunately, after one “successful” burglary, intruders are likely to come back and target the same home again. Some studies show that only 1.2% of burgled residences experienced 29% of all burglaries. Repeat burglaries also often occur quickly after the first one—25% within one week and 51% within one month.
In fact, the chance of a burglar coming back is very high, and as many as one out of every three house burglary victims is a repeat victim. Unlucky victims even have an eight percent chance of being burgled two or more times again. When does repeat burglary victimization occur?
7 things that burglars hate
They say lightning doesn't strike twice but sadly, burglars do! How often do burglars return after a robbery? A Churchill Insurance report shows burglary victims have more than a one in four chance of a repeat attack. Some poor souls are 8% more likely to be burgled twice or more times after the first.
Burglars break in whenever they think they can get in and out with something of value and not get caught. Most often, they do break in at night, as there are fewer people around to observe their actions.
Don't. Leaving your lights on all night doesn't send the message that your home. Instead, choose times you would normally use lighting during the evenings. If you use timers, set them to turn on and off in different rooms to give the appearance that someone is moving around your home.
The most common times for break-ins occur between 10 am and 3 pm. Rather than being guarded by night, most burglars choose the daytime to attempt a break-in, targeting homes when they believe no one will be present.
Either way, houses with entry points weakened by disrepair, residents who leave doors or windows unlocked routinely, or homes with weakened security (like broken alarms) are more likely to be successfully burgled.
Do burglars come back to the same house twice? A confused.com survey revealed that more than one in six (17%) of burglary victims had fallen prey to being burgled three times or more, and 65% of those in the same property! Surprisingly, it's not uncommon for the second crime to be committed by the original burglar!
Doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars, so near these entry points is often the first place they look for any valuables. Burglars also know many homeowners hide their house key near the front door, making it easier for them to break in within minutes or even seconds.
Although the bedroom is the most expected room burglars go for, a kid's room is usually not considered, and therefore, never searched. Try to find clever spots within your kid's room and hide your valuables creatively.
It's not an uncommon tactic for someone to ring your doorbell and distract you, whilst another person goes around the back stealing your valuables. Even in late-night break-ins, working in teams allows the burglars to be in and out of your home quicker, and less likely to be caught.
5 Secrets burglars don't want you to know
External lighting
Lighting is a good deterrent and is recommended at doors as it makes it safer for you when coming and going after dark. A clear, low white light that activates at dusk to dawn is ideal for lighting a yard and garden and allowing any person to be clearly seen.
Turning off the power using the main switch is also quite a common way for would-be burglars to check when you are home or whether you've just left the lights and TV on to make it look like you're at home.
An alarm could increase an intruder's sense of urgency and anxiety, which may prompt them to abandon the break-in. Still, relying solely on an alarm to stop a crime is risky. A typical burglar may take anywhere from 8 to 12 minutes to break into a home and make their escape.
50–66% of offenders have robbed the same house more than once. Fewer than 14% of burglary cases result in an arrest. About 60% of repeat burglaries happen within a month of the first. Roughly 10% occur within two months.
Graffiti or chalk symbols: Intruders mark properties with symbols that signify a range of meanings, like if the house is alarmed. Unfamiliar vehicles parked nearby: Keep an eye out for any suspicious vehicles parked on your street. Broken locks or outdoor lights: Check for any tampered-with locks or broken lights.
Study after study cites CCTV cameras as one of the biggest deterrents for burglars. They work by stealth, avoid leaving evidence, and steer clear of security cameras. Clear signage lets people know you are using CCTV, and is a very obvious warning to criminals to stay away.
These cryptic markings often scrawled on fences, mailboxes or near entryways, are believed to be used by burglars to identify vulnerable homes. Whether it's a symbol that translates to “easy pickings” or a discreet alert for potential accomplices, these markings could mean your home has been flagged as a target.
The Worst Place to Stash Your Valuables
Burglars also don't want to spend too long in your house, so they'll likely take off with whatever is handy and profitable. Jewellery, consumer electronics like phones, tablets and laptops as well as portable hardware tools and equipment all rank highly as stolen goods claimed under insurance[1].
In 2021, the burglary rate was approximately 9 out of 1,000 households, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. A total of 833,280 households were victimized by burglary in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Smaller valuables, including jewellery, are at risk when left on open shelves or hidden in obvious spots like decorative vases. Burglars also tend to search thoroughly, checking behind books or within drawers and furniture. To mitigate these risks, ensure high-value items are not visible from outside windows or doors.
Yes, burglars prefer to break in at night. The darkness of night helps them move confidently without being noticed. Many burglars do robberies at night in areas where there is less movement and no activity in the houses.