The three main types of burglars are Opportunists, who act on impulse for easy targets; Semi-Professionals/Scouts, who do some planning and target specific areas or items; and Professionals, who meticulously plan, conduct surveillance, and target high-value locations, often with specific connections for fencing stolen goods.
There are generally three types of burglars: the professional, the semi-professional and the amateur. Although the average home owner will probably not have to face a professional thieves who focus on extremely valuable items, you need to be aware of the semi-professional and amateur burglars.
There are five separate classifications for '"robbery"': street robbery, bank robbery, home invasion, carjacking, and purse snatching. Though each type of robbery takes place in a different location or situation, they all involve forcibly depriving someone of their belongings.
The UCR Program has three subclassifications for burglary: forcible entry, unlawful entry where no force is used, and attempted forcible entry.
55.7% of break-ins involve forcible entry, 37.8% are unlawful entries into the home, and 6.5% of would-be burglars attempt forcible entry into a home. [1]. Residential properties account for over 60% of burglary offenses [1].
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.
Security measures that put burglars off
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.
One of the most common entry points for burglars is a ground level window at the rear side of a home. That's why you should use the same security measures on your windows as you would on your doors. Screens on windows do not guarantee the security of the window.
Burglary is when an individual or group break into a building with the intention of stealing, hurting someone or committing unlawful damage. Theft is the act of taking something that belongs to someone else with the intention of keeping it. Robbery is the act of taking something by force and intimidation.
In terms of possible harm and penalties, aggravated robbery crimes are the most serious. These offenses generally involve a weapon, serious injury to a victim, a home invasion or carjacking, or a vulnerable victim. A person convicted of aggravated robbery could face 20 or more years in prison.
5 Secrets burglars don't want you to know
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.
The most commonly stolen items depend on where the theft happens—such as stores, homes, or cars—but they usually share two traits: they are valuable and easy to resell. These include electronics, jewelry, designer clothing, and perfumes.
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.
1. Home Security Cameras. Our best deterrent for burglars is the presence of an outdoor security camera. Having cameras mounted around your exterior home is a great way to prevent burglars from entering your home!
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.
Burglars often look for homes with windows or doors left open or with vulnerable features that they can exploit.
When do Most Burglaries Happen?
It's true that making your home look lived in whilst you're away is a really good way to deter burglars. They'll be looking for an easy option and a home which is obviously empty can be an open invitation. Closing the curtains can make it obvious that you're not in.
Signs Your House Might Be Marked for Intruders
Ring doorbells can act as a deterrent by making burglars wary of being recorded, leading some to choose easier targets, but they aren't foolproof; determined criminals may disable them, disguise themselves, or see the camera as a sign of valuable items inside, and while police use the footage, independent data on crime reduction is mixed, with some studies showing little effect or even increased risk, making them a component, not a complete, solution.