Part of being vigilant is being aware of the risks and knowing what times of day are considered the most dangerous for house break-ins. In reality, there is no simple answer because break-ins and robberies are unpredictable. They can happen at any time of day or night, but if we look at the statistics closely, we can see when criminals seem to prefer.
It’s extremely difficult to collect data on burglars’ habits. However, there are some general considerations to keep in mind when attempting to effectively protect your home from burglars:
The majority of burglaries occur during the day rather than at night. Burglars are more likely to target your home when you are not present. So it stands to reason that they’d commit a crime during your regular working hours when they know the property will be empty. Burglars watch when you come and go from your home, taking advantage of times when the house is empty to commit a crime unhindered. If you notice any suspicious activity around your home, notify the police immediately.
A house is frequently more vulnerable to burglary than a flat. This is often due to easier access to doors and windows throughout the house that is more difficult to reach in a flat.
Burglars frequently use a special code to mark homes that they intend to burglarize. Notify the police if you notice any suspicious code symbols on your home or the homes of your neighbours. This could help to prevent future burglaries.
Burglars frequently use a house’s doors to gain entry, including the front door. Windows in your home will also provide a point of entry for potential intruders. Doors and windows are obvious targets for burglars because they are frequently the easiest points of entry, or they are simply left ajar by careless homeowners. Burglars will almost certainly scope out your home before attempting to commit a crime there.
In addition to looking for doors and windows that could provide them with convenient entry points into the property, they’ll watch your schedule to see when the property is likely to be vacant. Of course, it is far easier to commit a burglary when there is no resistance from residents.
If you install a smart home security system around your property, you’ll be able to control how these devices look after your home while you’re away.
Smart home security cameras, for example, could live stream video footage from your home to your mobile devices. If you notice any suspicious activity on the footage while you’re away – anything that suggests a burglar may be on your property – you can remotely activate your home security alarm to try to prevent the crime.
Furthermore, smart home security technology allows you to simulate your presence in the home even when everyone is away. Pre-recorded audio sounds, for example, can persuade a burglar that there are people in the house even if you are not present.
The same is true for pre-programmed lighting functions that activate during the hours of darkness to simulate the presence of people in the home.
While these high-tech options are extremely effective, don’t overlook the basic indicators that a home is vacant! If you close all your shutters and let your mail pile up in your letterbox, burglars will assume there is no one in the house.
Why not leave some strategically placed shutters open, or ask a trusted neighbour to collect your mail for you while you’re away?
Many homeowners are perplexed when it appears that their home has been burglarized, but there is no evidence of a break-in anywhere on the property.
A home can easily be robbed without a break-in: the reason is simple. Most of the time, the burglar can simply walk into the house because the residents have forgotten to close its doors or windows. So, even if it’s a warm day, remember to safely close any doors and windows you’ve left ajar around the house when you leave!
So a thief has broken into your home and committed a crime. However, there is no evidence of a break-in around the house. Is it possible to prove to the police – or your home insurance company – that a burglary occurred in your home even if there is no physical evidence of a break-in?
Burglars can hide in dimly lit areas and wait for you to go to bed. Consider installing motion sensor security lights, and if you’re not at home, leave a light or two on or have a friend or neighbour visit so there’s some movement and activity. Remember that criminals have most likely been watching you and your home for days or hours before committing a break-in.
An alarm system that is linked to armed response should also be installed. These systems not only deter criminals, but they also save lives. In the event of an emergency, you can use a panic button or remote, and if your home is broken into while you are away, you can process your home insurance claim more easily if your alarm was activated at the time.
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