Unfortunately, the answer is often yes. Research shows that if burglars aren’t caught after their first attempt, they’re much more likely to return — sometimes within days. Learn how to prevent repeat burglaries.
It is generally believed that burglars will not return to the same place more than once. Statistics show that if they aren’t caught the first time, they will probably return. The thieves now know how to safely get in and out of your house, have a basic idea of where everything is, and can mentally picture any valuables. Learn what motivates repeat burglaries and how you can secure your home to prevent being robbed for a first, second, or even third time.
A burglary occurs in the U.S. every 18 seconds. According to data from the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing at Arizona State University:
The week following a break-in carries the highest risk for another burglary.
50–66% of offenders have robbed the same house more than once.
Fewer than 14% of burglary cases result in an arrest.
About 60% of repeat burglaries happen within a month of the first.
Roughly 10% occur within two months.
There is no doubt that repeated burglaries are a serious problem. The best way to prevent repeated burglaries and becoming a victim of a burglary is to know what thieves look for in a home, why the same house is often robbed several times, and what you can do to ensure your home is protected.
Studies from the University of North Carolina’s Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology show that burglars often return to homes that:
Look unoccupied (no cars, full mailboxes, dark windows)
Have easy escape routes or unfenced yards
Offer concealment with overgrown landscaping
Contain valuables visible from windows
Were easy to enter the first time (unlocked or weak points)
Now that they know your home’s layout and entry points, repeat offenders can strike faster and more confidently.
Homes that deter repeat break-ins tend to have:
Bright, well-lit exteriors
Locked fences or gates that limit escape routes
Trimmed trees and bushes
Locked doors and reinforced windows
Security signs, cameras, and alarm systems
Active neighbors or visible street traffic
A barking dog (real or even the sound of one)
If you’ve experienced a burglary, take these steps right away:
Repair damage immediately – fix broken doors, locks, and windows.
Reinforce vulnerable points – install deadbolts, sliding-door locks, or window security film.
Improve visibility – add motion lighting and keep the lawn trimmed.
Hide valuables – avoid leaving expensive items in view.
Avoid posting travel plans online.
Get a dog or deterrent signage.
Invest in a monitored smart home security system.
Smart home security systems offer multiple layers of protection that scare off criminals and alert you instantly:
Video doorbell cameras capture faces and let you communicate with visitors or intruders using two-way audio.
Motion-activated outdoor cameras detect trespassers and record video for police evidence.
Smart lighting gives the appearance that someone is home.
Door and window sensors trigger alarms the moment an entry point is breached.
Glass-break sensors detect shattered windows or sliding glass doors.
Smart locks let you remotely secure your doors or check their status from anywhere.
24/7 professional monitoring connects you to emergency responders within seconds.
Together, these technologies reduce your chances of becoming a victim — again or for the first time.
Our most complete package features protection, automation, and video delivered to your smartphone.
Our most popular smart security package features more than protection – it’s your pathway to home automation.
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Get a free consultation and the latest smart home tips & tricks
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