【Epoch Times, May 7, 2025】Everyone hopes to spend each day in peace, but sometimes unfortunate incidents like burglaries happen. Although it’s not your fault, being aware of where burglars are most likely to break in from and taking preventive measures can reduce the risk of property loss or even potential threats to yourself or your family. Let’s hear what experts have to say.
According to a report by the Huffington Post, home security experts emphasize the importance of understanding where thieves are most likely to break in and the psychology behind their actions. The places burglars are most likely to break into might come as a surprise to many people.
The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors pointed out, based on a survey of American households, that burglars most commonly enter homes through the first floor, accounting for 81%, with the front door being the most frequently targeted entry point at 34%.
Other common entry points for burglars include first-floor windows (23%), back doors (22%), garage (9%), and basement (4%).
Explaining why burglars often choose the front door as their entry point, Rick Sheets, Vice President of Brinks Home, mentioned that the front door is the most direct access into a house, making it easier for thieves to enter, especially when left unlocked by residents.
A survey of over 2,000 UK homeowners revealed that 42% of people frequently leave doors and windows unlocked when at home, only remembering to secure them when heading out at night. Additionally, according to statistics on theft cases in the US, 28% of incidents occur while residents are present at home.
Rob Gabriele, an expert from the home security company SafeHome.org, expressed concern, stating that a significant number of people keep spare keys in obvious places, such as under the doormat near the front door.
Once inside a house, burglars often target rooms where valuable items are stored, such as the master bedroom, media room, and home office, as pointed out by Sheets.
Gabriele mentioned that burglars work quickly and spend minimal time inside a house. They typically focus on spaces near their point of entry and rarely venture upstairs. However, valuable items are often kept on the first floor, such as leaving a purse by the front door. Moreover, people commonly place expensive electronics in the living room and medications in the bathroom or kitchen.
Therefore, storing valuables in a safe, placing them out of sight, or on the second floor can be safer alternatives to prevent theft.
These experts discussed several methods to prevent home burglaries:
• Avoid hiding spare keys
Since burglars are aware that spare keys are commonly hidden under doormats or plant pots, avoiding this practice can reduce the risk of theft. Sheets suggested seeking alternatives like using smart door locks instead of spare keys. While it may be a bit inconvenient to find the right key on a keychain, leaving doors unlocked could lead to theft.
Jenny Radcliffe, a former UK thief, previously advised on the inews website that placing fake keys under the doormat can confuse burglars, wasting their time in attempting to unlock the door and serving as a deterrent.
• Make your home look occupied
If burglars believe someone is at home, they are less likely to break in. Hence, even when you’re away, creating an appearance of occupancy is essential.
Sheets recommended using smart lighting and devices to simulate activity inside the house, especially beneficial during prolonged absences like vacations. This strategy should be adopted during the daytime as well, as most thefts occur during daylight hours when burglars may assume people are at work.
Gabriele suggested additional methods to make your home appear inhabited, such as maintaining a trimmed lawn, hedge, and collecting mail. For extended absences, asking family and friends to help with these tasks is advisable.
• Avoid placing valuables near windows
Gabriele advised against leaving valuables near first-floor windows, as they can easily become targets for burglars. Making it difficult for thieves to steal your items is key.
• Install motion sensor systems
Sheets recommended installing motion sensor systems at home to detect when doors/windows are opened or glass is shattered, enhancing home security. Homeowners receive notifications when burglars attempt to break in via doors/windows or shatter glass.
These security systems usually provide 24/7 monitoring, deterring burglars. In case of a break-in, they also alert authorities.
Gabriele stated that this is the “best way” to protect oneself, and even installing doorbell cameras can serve as a warning to potential burglars with criminal intent.
Epoch Times previously reported that when burglars plan to break into a property, they often survey the environment and security measures beforehand to increase their success rate. Therefore, being attentive to signs of pre-intrusion surveillance can help prevent burglaries.
These signs include suspicious vehicles nearby, strangers knocking on your door, random damage to your property, or leaving markings.
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