Burglars strike anywhere and at any time they want. They may plan their moves or they can just pick their targets randomly. In the U.S., reports noted that a home was burglarized every 15 seconds in the year 2010 alone. Unfortunately, less than 15 percent of thieves who strike residential properties are not caught by authorities.
Most burglars are young males below 25 years old. They target houses just near their own home or usually within two miles. In the U.S., 73.9 percent of burglaries occurred in homes.
Common Targets
Homes near a large population of young people or situated in areas with a high drug problem and urban crime rate are more vulnerable to burglary. If you live in locations that attract strangers such as near shopping centers, transit stations, sports arenas or a major road, your house can also be a potential target.
Areas with low traffic such as dead-end streets and cul-de-sacs are also common targets of burglars. As such, homes located on corner streets, those on the outskirts of neighborhoods and those in secluded areas are vulnerable as well.
Cities located outside metropolitan areas including rural areas also experience high burglary cases. The National Center for Victims of Crime reported that homes in isolated rural areas are targets of burglars because of isolation and absence of expensive equipment that leave homeowners unprotected.
“Empty homes and those with no dogs are on top of the burglars’ list,” said San Diego theft attorney, Samantha Greene. “They can tell if no one’s in the property for a few days or weeks when mail or papers are piling up or the yards are overgrown. They strike during daytime normally between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and during the workweek in homes knowing that the occupants are busy at work and their children at school. There are also a few neighbors during that time who can catch them on the act.”
Burglars also know when a house has poor security systems and lighting and they strike these homes especially at night. For this reason, homeowners should seriously consider installing security devices in their properties including alarm systems and hidden surveillance cameras.
Another target of burglars are the social homeowners. These are the people (aged 18 to 34 years) who constantly post updates on their whereabouts and photos on their social media sites including the times when they go on vacation. The Department of Justice also noted that burglars usually know their victims as they can be casual acquaintances, neighbors, friends or relatives of friends or people who provide service.