Did you know that break-ins occur every 13 seconds in the U.S.? By the time you finish reading this blog post, about 9 homes will have been burglarized somewhere!
While home burglary statistics can be unnerving, knowledge can be power. Let’s take a look at more surprising home break-in statistics that can help you become better prepared to protect your home from domestic burglary and violence.
How Do Most Burglars Enter a Home?
The FBI reports that the Most Common Entry Points are:
- 34% of burglars enter through the front door.
- 23% of burglars gain entrance through a first-floor window.
- 22% of burglars break into a home through a back door.
- 9% of burglars enter a home through the garage.
- 4% of burglars get into a home through an unlocked entrance.
- 2% of burglars enter somewhere on the second floor.
The Time of the Day Most Burglaries Occur?
Most movies and TV shows portray break-ins happening in the evening. And most people imagine that the darkest hours of the day would allow for a better opportunity for a burglary. However, according to FBI statistics, 65% of home burglaries happen between 6 am to 6 pm while you are at work or school, and the most common hours for a burglary are between 10 am – 3 pm.
Do Burglars Return?
Surprisingly, 51% of homes suffered from a repeat burglary within one month of the initial offense. And even if the burglars don’t return to the same house, chances are good that they target another house in the same neighborhood.
Why Are Repeat Burglaries So Prevalent?
Here are some of the potential factors that cause a burglar to target the same home twice:
- During the first break-in, they may have noticed additional valuable items that they want to take.
- Burglars assume that previously stolen items will have been replaced by insurance – within 6 weeks and will go back for a second round.
- Once a burglar robs your house, he knows the layout of the home and can go through each room quicker the next time.
Percentage of Armed Burglaries in the US?
When most people think of a typical image of a burglar, they think of a person who carries a gun and is masked. However, according to the State of USA.org, an average of 7% of home burglaries involved violence each year. And, of those violent burglaries, only 12% of the burglars had a firearm.
The Typical Profile of a Burglar
Home invasion statistics show that most penetrators and burglars are males under the age of 25, who live close to the victims and may even be the acquaintance of the victims.
What Is the Average Time It Takes To Break Into a Home?
The time required for thieves or robbers to break into a home can be far less than many may think. Most criminals can burglarize a home in only 8-10 minutes.
What Are the Common Places Burglars Search During a Break-Ins?
Burglars typically go to the master bedroom first and search drawers, closets, and the mattress or valuables such as cash, jewelry, etc.
The Best Precaution
Now that you know more about burglary statistics in the U.S., the better you can prepare and take necessary precautions to avoid becoming part of one in the future.
One of the best and proven ways to discourage a potential burglary is to have a home security system installed. Simply installing a wireless home security system will prevent burglars from entering your home. And by keeping at least one security camera visual, burglars know that they are at risk of being recorded. Even if a break-in victimizes your home, the sound of your security system will scare away the culprit before they have an opportunity to find and take any valuables.
For more information on a customized & smart home security alarm system that meets your specific needs, contact one of our security experts today at 1-800-242-9760! Johns Brothers Security, protecting homes since 1974!