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How Burglars Choose a Home in Seconds
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Residential crime is a growing issue across Southern California communities, with recent local trends showing an increase in burglaries in the San Fernando Valley. Criminals move fast—both during the theft itself, working efficiently to minimize time inside, and in the moments before a break-in, deciding within seconds which homes are ideal targets.
What exactly does a vulnerable home look like? How do criminals decide so quickly which homes are worth the risk of getting caught? Understanding how burglars think and act helps you see your property as they would and identify weaknesses that need attention.
Let’s discuss the top vulnerabilities criminals look for in residential targets, along with how to strengthen your security measures and deter burglars.
Top Vulnerabilities Criminals Target
Some burglars have adopted advanced high-tech tactics to weaken home security, such as using WiFi jamming to disrupt WiFi-reliant security systems or planting small cameras to monitor residents’ daily routines. Others simply look out for security vulnerabilities to exploit. Here are some of the top concerns for burglars as they stalk residential neighborhoods.
Visibility and Lighting
Take a look at your property from the sidewalk. Are there areas of concealment someone could hide behind—tall trees, bushes, or a large wall or structure? Where is your outdoor lighting lacking? Burglars will scan properties for hidden areas and dark entry points, waiting for the perfect opportunity to enter the home.
Signs No One Is Home
No lights on inside, multiple packages on the porch, a long-empty driveway—these are all signs no one is home to get in a burglar’s way. Criminals are more likely to take advantage of a house that appears empty, especially if they can confirm the family is on vacation or there are other signs people will be away for a period.
Even if there isn’t a long trip planned, burglars may stake out a home and learn the residents’ routines—when they drive to work or school, when they return, and other schedules.
Easy Entry Points
While it’s true that many criminals target affluent properties with no or incomplete security systems, they are also opportunistic. According to James Lynch, a professor of criminology interviewed for a CNET article, less sophisticated burglars may look for unlocked doors and windows and break in wherever they can.
Burglars keep an eye out for and try open entry points, such as:
- Unlocked backyard or pedestrian gates
- Ground-floor windows
- Sliding glass doors
- Scalable second-floor balconies
- Any doors with weakened or broken locks
Lack of Visible Security
Security cameras, doorbell cameras, and other visible signs of an alarm system can all deter criminals from targeting a property. KTVB7, a television station in Oregon, reported that of the 86 inmates it interviewed serving time for burglary, most would leave the property if an alarm system went off or if they saw a security camera. Likewise, the Urban Institute found that the 8,000 cameras placed throughout Chicago contributed to the approximate 12% reduction in crime rates.
Without clear security measures in place, burglars are more likely to consider the home unguarded and an apt target. Even just a security company lawn sign can help keep criminals away.
How to Deter Criminals and Strengthen Your Home Security
From simple property maintenance to smart home security products, there are numerous ways to prevent break-ins. Each strategy adds another layer of protection, fortifying your property.
Improve Exterior Lighting: Burglars prefer to operate in the shadows. Motion-activated lights can detect suspicious activity and deter intruders from crossing property lines.
Reinforce Doors and Windows: Having your entry points inspected and reinforced gives you peace of mind knowing all doors and windows are fortified against burglars.
Install a Smart Home Security System: From real-time notifications to video surveillance, smart locks, and remote system access, smart home security offers homeowners enhanced protection.
Set Up Visible Security Cameras: A home security technician can help identify the best locations to install cameras around your home to maximize coverage. Live video monitoring takes this security feature even further. Post Alarm’s Night Shield cameras detect threats and promptly alert live video monitoring agents for immediate verification and response.
Homeowner Vigilance: Along with adding security products to your property, simply keeping an eye out for suspicious activity helps you stay on top of potential threats. Check your alarm notifications and security footage regularly, and always be aware of your surroundings when you’re on or near your property.
Maintain Your Property: An unkept landscape can be a sign that no one is home and provide more places to hide on your property. Regular maintenance, whether done by you or a landscape professional, signals to criminals that the property is active.
Let Your Neighbors Know When You’re Away: If you’re going to be away from home for more than a couple of days, one of our top neighborhood safety tips is to ask a neighbor to look after your house and take in any packages that arrive on your porch.
Why Choose Post Alarm for Home Security Protection
For advanced home security solutions to prevent break-ins and protect your property, Post Alarm is the top choice among Southern California homeowners. As a local, family-owned company, we have provided alarm and patrol services to Southern California communities and neighborhoods since 1956.
Our fully integrated security solutions enable earlier threat detection and a synchronized response, with help arriving fast when it matters most. For our residential clients, Post Alarm offers:
- 24/7 Local Alarm Monitoring
- Smart Home Security
- Live Video Monitoring
- Remote Access Control
- Video Doorbells
- Interior and Exterior Security Cameras
- Custom Design and Professional Installation
- And more
Our family founded Post Alarm on a passion for protecting people and the neighborhoods we call home. We take pride in our long tradition of providing uncompromising service to protect clients and their homes, families, and businesses.
Ready to strengthen your home security system? Reach out and get a quote today!
