October 9, 2025There Was a Break-in at My House! Will They Return?

October 9, 2025 by cnmAdmin2030There Was a Break-in at My House! Will They Return?

Learn How You Can Prevent Repeat Burglaries 

Few experiences feel more unsettling than discovering your home has been broken into. Beyond the stress of filing police reports and insurance claims, the question many homeowners ask afterward is: “Will they come back?”

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.

Alarming Burglary Statistics

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.

prevent repeated burglariesThere 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.

Why Do Burglars Return?

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.

Features That Deter Burglars

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)

How to Secure Your Home After a Break-In

If you’ve experienced a burglary, take these steps right away:

  1. Repair damage immediately – fix broken doors, locks, and windows.

  2. Reinforce vulnerable points – install deadbolts, sliding-door locks, or window security film.

  3. Improve visibility – add motion lighting and keep the lawn trimmed.

  4. Hide valuables – avoid leaving expensive items in view.

  5. Avoid posting travel plans online.

  6. Get a dog or deterrent signage.

  7. Invest in a monitored smart home security system.

How Smart Home Security Stops Repeat Burglaries

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.

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!

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