Learn How You Can Prevent Repeat Burglaries

It feels traumatizing and unsettling when someone breaks into your house. In addition to being exhausting, dealing with the police and your insurance company is stressful. It’s a good thing that the worst is now over, right? No, not always. Become familiar with the best ways to prevent repeat burglaries and prevent intrusions from occurring.

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.

Alarming Burglary Statistics

There is a home burglary in the United States every 18 seconds. After being robbed, the odds of being victimized again increase dramatically. Data from the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing at Arizona State University illustrate the problem’s severity:

In the week following an initial burglary, there is a high risk of repeat burglaries
It is estimated that half to two-thirds of offenders have robbed the same house twice or more
Less than 14% of burglary cases lead to arrests
A repeat burglary occurs 60% of the time within one month of the first burglary
In the second month following the first burglary, about 10% of repeat burglaries occur

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.

What are the factors that burglars consider when deciding which house to break into?

To determine why criminals choose a target, the Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology at the University of North Carolina surveyed hundreds of inmates who are in prison for burglary. According to the study, burglars are more likely to target properties that meet the following criteria:

Unoccupied appearance (no cars in driveway, newspapers piled on the porch, full mailbox)
Escape routes are accessible (unfenced yards, roads nearby)
Overgrown landscaping and bushes blocking doors and windows could be hiding places.
Open or unlocked doors or windows that are easy to break in
It is possible to see items of interest (cash, jewelry, electronics, illegal or prescription drugs) through the windows

Home Features That Deter Burglars and Prevent Repeated Burglaries Include:

The houses appear to be occupied or are close to other homes, traffic, or walking traffic
It is difficult to escape (fences, locked gates, located farther away from the nearest road)
Lack of possible hiding places (trees and bushes are well-trimmed, no extensive landscaping close to the house)
The doors and windows are locked, and all the windows are closed
The areas are well lit
The premises contain a dog
Security equipment such as alarm signs, surveillance cameras, or alarm systems that is visible

How to Secure Your Home After (Or Before) A Break-in – Steps to Make Your Property as Secure as Possible

Immediately repair any damages caused by a break-in if your home has already been attacked.
Make sure your doors and windows are locked at all times.
Enhance the security of vulnerable doors and windows with deadbolts, sliding door locks, window security films, and bars).
Cut back trees and bushes, and keep your lawn mowed to minimize hiding places.
Properly illuminate the exterior of your home.
Make sure valuables are hidden.
Social media shouldn’t be used to share upcoming plans or your current location.
Take into consideration buying a dog.
Make your home more secure by investing in a security system

Smart Home Security Systems Can Prevent Repeated Burglaries and Keep You From Being a Victim the First Time

Using a smart home security system can help prevent your home from being successfully burglarized in several ways. As a deterrent to potential thieves, it plays a crucial role. A home security system is reported to scare off 60% of criminals.

For the 40% of undeterred burglars, smart security systems still provide multiple layers of protection. A motion-detecting outdoor camera can alert you to trespassers on your property, and the video clips can be used later to identify and convict them.

Whether or not the doorbell is rung, video doorbell cameras perform the same function. In addition, you can safely order intruders to leave your bedroom or office using a video doorbell camera, which includes two-way audio. The use of smart light bulbs can also deter burglars by making it appear that you are home by operating them remotely or on a schedule.

Door and window sensors alert you when a burglar opens your monitored door or window. Intruders often take off when they hear this. Thieves who break windows or sliding glass doors within range of glass break sensors will get the same results.

You can even get alerts if a door, window, or garage door is left open for longer than usual if you have door and window sensors. With this technology, you will never have to worry about accidentally leaving things open all day and night! As well as checking if your front door is locked, a Smart Door Lock allows you to lock it remotely if necessary, no matter where you are.

A motion sensor or indoor camera will catch an intruder in the act if they make their way inside your home. The system will notify you immediately of their presence, trigger motion sensors will set off your alarm, and the cameras will record all of it and stream it to your smartphone.

More Information

When you have a monitored smart security system, you can rest assured that your home and loved ones are safe and secure at all times. A break-in is a highly dangerous situation, so being able to connect to the police instantly is invaluable. Providing peace of mind and security since 1974 is what Johns Brothers Security is all about. If you want more information on how we can help keep your family safe, call us at 1-800-242-9760!