The Intruder's Perspective: Key Factors that Influence a Burglar's Choice of Home Targets

When you are thinking about your home security and whether or not to choose a professional alarm installation service, it’s important to think about it from the intruder’s perspective. Research has shown that criminals do follow a pattern when targeting homes for burglary. Knowing what criminals are looking for in a home can help you to change things in your own property to deter criminals and make it harder for them to be successful when attempting to break-in.

Let’s take a look at a few of the factors that thieves are looking at when choosing the next property to target.

Is there a visible home security system?

One of the first things that criminals will look out for is whether there is the presence of alarm systems. This could be the installation of CCTV around the perimeter of the property or overlooking the potential vulnerable points of the home, or lights and other home security products. A clear home alarm system puts off burglars, as the presence alone is enough to make them think twice, and they must think about what would happen if they triggered an alarm. An alarm sounding could leave only minutes before the authorities arrive.

Is the home secluded?

If your home is in a rural, secluded location, it is necessary to boost your home security, but even if it is in a built-up, urban area you must be careful. If you have fences and shrubbery it might add value to your home in curb appeal, it does offer some protection for criminals attempting to enter for criminal activity. Motion sensor lights, linked to alarm monitoring services, are a great addition to your home in these cases, as it alerts either you or your neighbours if something sets them off. This is a big risk to criminals scoping out a potential home for a burglary.

What are the escape routes?

The other side of fences and shrubbery is that it might also hinder the potential escape routes for criminals if they do manage to enter a home to steal items. The ability to quickly enter a home, steal some items, and make a quick escape, ideally to a vehicle that is waiting outside and can move quickly on quiet roads, is a winner for criminals. Tall fences, wide openings that provide a potential view for witnesses, and other deterrents and security systems make it less likely that a criminal will target a property.

Are there vulnerable entry points?

Another factor that criminals look out for is potential vulnerable entry points. This includes open windows and doors, which present an attractive invitation to burglars. This, alongside empty homes present a good opportunity to break-in to a property easily. Even if you do have a vacant property for certain times of the year, it’s best to install a service such as 24/7 professional monitoring. This ensures that a professional team is on hand to alert you if any of the alarm systems have been triggered.

Valuables are in clear sight

This might seem obvious, but any valuables that are in plain sight will make the eyes of a criminal light up. If there are clear valuables that would be easy to steal, in sight of the window, such as a laptop, a TV, jewellery, it is more likely that a criminal will target that property. If this is combined with open windows or vulnerable entry points where a quick smash and grab of the premises could potentially take place, it offers a bigger chance of success to the burglar.

Conclusion

Understanding the key factors that influence a burglar’s choice when targeting a home is a vital part of your home security systems. Whether you live in an urban area or somewhere more rural and secluded, there are a few things that you can do to boost your home security and have peace of mind that you are doing everything that you can to deter criminals. Making sure you have alarm systems, cameras, motion sensors, on top of traditional crime deterrent strategies such as secure door and window locks and ensuring valuables are hidden away from sightlines, all come together to create a better secured home. Get a free security consultation that talks you through the potential options to boost your home security.