How to Think Like a Burglar to Protect Your Home

To protect our homes effectively, it’s time to step into the mind of a burglar. By understanding intruders’ tactics, techniques, and procedures and adopting a burglar’s perspective, we can gain valuable insights into potential vulnerabilities to safeguard their families and belongings.

Do you have weak spots in your home security? This article will alert you to some potential threats, offering ways to secure your home proactively.

The simplest oversight can often lead to the gravest consequences

While high-tech security systems and cutting-edge gadgets dominate our discussions on safeguarding our homes, the reality is far more straightforward—and alarming. Around 32% of burglars access our homes through unlocked doors and windows.

Burglars are not always the shadowy, skilled infiltrators we see in movies. Many of them are opportunistic, relying on the predictability of human behavior. They watch, wait, and strike when the opportunity arises. Unlocked doors and windows present an open invitation, and a momentary lapse in attention, a rush to leave the house, or a casual belief that it won’t happen to us can all result in an unlocked entry point.

Cultivating a habit of mindfulness and double-checking each entry point before leaving the house can make a world of difference. It’s a small effort that pays enormous dividends in home security. Additionally, consider reinforcing your doors and windows with sturdy locks, deadbolts, and security bars to create an added layer of protection. 

Leaving valuables in the open

Leaving valuables outside, unprotected and visible, significantly increases the attractiveness of a burglary for several reasons. A motorcycle, for example, gleaming in the sunlight, parked outside a home might seem like a symbol of freedom and adventure. However, to a burglar, it represents an enticing opportunity. 

When things are left in plain sight, they act as a beacon for potential burglars, showcasing the homeowner’s valuable possessions. Using the motorcycle example, burglars have a quick and efficient getaway vehicle. For a burglar, the presence of valuable items left outside signals a homeowner’s complacency about security. In their eyes, this lack of precaution suggests that the home might have other vulnerabilities, making the burglary less risky and more likely to succeed without detection.

Storing motorcycles and other valuable items in a dedicated shed or garage with secure locks and alarms can drastically reduce the likelihood of theft. Additionally, installing motion-activated lights and surveillance cameras around the property creates a visible deterrent, making burglars think twice before attempting a crime.

The alarming likelihood of repeated burglaries

Studies examining the behavior of burglars have revealed a chilling trend: once a household falls victim to a burglary, the likelihood of experiencing another break-in significantly increases, especially within a short timeframe. 

A single burglary can trigger a domino effect of criminal activity. Once a home is successfully targeted, the burglar may share information with associates or other criminals, indicating that the house was an easy mark. 

Understanding the pattern of repeat burglaries highlights the urgent need for swift and decisive action after a break-in. Homeowners should prioritize fortifying their homes immediately following an incident. This might include upgrading locks, installing a security system, and reinforcing doors and windows.

Empower yourself with home security knowledge

At Security Forward, we offer comprehensive guides on home security to help you ensure that your home and loved ones are protected. See the new developments in security here.