Most burglaries happen during the daytime, particularly between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when homes are typically empty as people are at work or school; however, early mornings (midnight to 6 a.m.) and late afternoons (12 p.m. to 6 p.m.) are also vulnerable, with burglars often targeting opportunities when people are out or distracted. Fridays are often cited as the most common day, with the summer months also seeing increased activity.
24% were targeted in the afternoon, 20% in the evening, whilst just 6% were burgled in the morning. 29% of victims were at home when the burglary took place, with 22% being asleep. At work, on holiday or out for dinner were also among the common places people were when their property was broken into.
Knowing when most burglaries occur is powerful information. 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.
Did you know - 3.5% of Australian households were victims of break-ins or attempted break-ins | Defence Service Homes.
60% of all burglaries take place in the evening or during the night, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
7 things that burglars hate
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.
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.
Low crime rates for your peace of mind
Canberra is officially Australia's #1 safest city, with a crime index rating of 26 out of 100.
Alcohol is the most commonly stolen item during that two-year period, accounting for 40 per cent, while clothing and footwear is at 24 per cent and food at 14 per cent. This increase is despite increased security measures being implemented by supermarkets.
- Robbers will monitor your house for up to two weeks before breaking in. - Most attacks occur between 7 pm and midnight, usually when you're relaxing, sleeping, cooking, or watching TV, and your alarm system is not activated. Break-ins can happen until 4 am.
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.
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.
These are the most common points of entry for home break-ins:
As with all types of crime, prevention is much better than cure. Taking simple measures, such as locking your windows, leaving indoor lights on a timer, double or deadlocking your doors, and having exterior lights on sensors, can significantly reduce your chances of being burgled.
Below are the most active hours for each type of crime and the percentage of crimes that took place during those peak hours:
Rockhampton. Rockhampton is the most dangerous city in Australia. According to the reports, it has a crime index of 67.2, which is one of the major contributors to the country's higher rate. It has a crime rate of 132 per 1000 people, with most of the cases for theft, burglary, and assault.
Brisbane has just been named as one of the friendliest cities in the world and we're the only Australian city to be listed in the top twenty. We've always known this about Brisbane but now the world is starting to discover it too.
Hobart, Tasmania, is widely recognized as the cheapest major city, but smaller regional towns in Queensland and South Australia can offer even lower living costs.
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.
The Worst Place to Stash Your Valuables
34% of burglars enter through the front door; 23% enter through a first-floor window; 22% enter through the back door.
Signs Your House Might Be Marked for Intruders
Leaving Lights On Can Have The Opposite Effect
“A light in your home typically signals that someone is there, but in the middle of the night, it can also give the opposite impression—making it look like you're out of town,” MacDowell says.
An unused fireplace can also be used as a hiding place: simply remove the cover, place valuables inside and then close it again. It is unlikely that a thief will look there. Solid furniture is rarely moved by thieves.