Easy lifehacks

Why do most burglaries happen in unlocked doors?

Why do most burglaries happen in unlocked doors?

Think again. “Most burglaries happen because of open or unlocked doors and windows,” says Leonard A. Sipes, Jr., former director of information services for the National Crime Prevention Council, who now operates CrimeInAmerica.net.

How often do burglaries happen in the United States?

According to FBI figures, approximately 1.4 million burglaries take place in the United States each year. However, while many assume burglary to be merely a crime of opportunity—and one committed by masked strangers under the cover of darkness—that’s rarely the truth.

What do burglars know about your home schedule?

“Burglars often take their time scoping out their potential victims so that they can carry out a burglary without getting caught. This means they may well know your schedule and when the house is left empty,” says Chris Perry, director of security company NVC Security.

What makes it obvious to a burglar that you have kids?

Those toys in the yard or car seats in the car make it pretty obvious to burglars that you’ve got kids at home.

Think again. “Most burglaries happen because of open or unlocked doors and windows,” says Leonard A. Sipes, Jr., former director of information services for the National Crime Prevention Council, who now operates CrimeInAmerica.net.

When do most burglaries take place in the United States?

Burglars don’t typically pick homes to rob at random, and they typically don’t strike in the middle of the night. In fact, according to the “Crime in the United States” report, approximately twice as many burglaries take place during the daytime, meaning many burglars are keeping abreast of their target’s work hours.

“Burglars often take their time scoping out their potential victims so that they can carry out a burglary without getting caught. This means they may well know your schedule and when the house is left empty,” says Chris Perry, director of security company NVC Security.

Do you Double Check Your Windows and doors for burglars?

“People often don’t double check to make sure their windows and doors are locked,” explains Gruss. That’s the kind of complacency thieves count on. In fact, about one in three burglars enter the home when it is unlocked.

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Ruth Doyle