10 Things Criminals Look for When Breaking into Properties
After breaking into a property, a criminal will look for things to help them escape the crime. For example, if someone has left their front door unlocked and they have pets, this could be an opportunity to steal things like food or clothing. If a criminal sees that there’s no security in place and they notice neighbours who don’t seem suspicious, this could also work in their favour when planning the heist.
Here are the ten things you need to be careful of when making your house secure.
1. Open Windows
Open windows are a sign that there is no alarm or security system in place. This means that the house is easy to break into, which may indicate that it’s empty, vulnerable, or even a target for burglary. If you see an open window on the front or back of your building, take note of how many people have access to it. If it is occupied, alert others of it.
2. Trees or Shrubs Nearby
It’s not a crime to have trees and shrubs in your yard, but criminals can use it to their advantage. When criminals break into a property, they look for places where they can hide. Trees and shrubs cover them if they’re on the roof or if there’s enough foliage around that someone may not notice until too late. They also provide cover from neighbours who might see something suspicious outside their windows.
Trees/Shrubs Can Block Views from Neighbors. If you live next door or across town from another home with tall trees that shield much of your view of your neighbour’s backyard, this could be an ideal place for thieves looking for entry points into homes nearby yours! In other words: It’s important not only how well-built these fences are but also whether there are any openings so thieves can climb through them easily.
3. House Numbers in Plain Sight
House numbers are usually located on a post or tree near the front door of a home. They’re also commonly placed at intersections or crosswalks so that people driving by can easily see them while driving.
If you have house numbers in plain sight, criminals can use those to identify your property. In this case, they’ll look for houses with good street visibility and attempt to get into them.
4. Dark, Non-Floodlit Areas
The best way to prevent this from happening? The dark—dark rooms are easier for crooks to navigate. It is a safe haven for them. Suppose a criminal wants access to your home without being seen or heard by anyone else. In that case, he’ll have an easier time doing so if he enters through some hidden door or window that has been left unlatched during normal family activities like watching TV. Make sure your area is properly lit. Flood lights are a good addition to your property.
5. A Building with No Signs of Security
If you’re a homeowner, the best way to protect your property is by posting signs around it telling people not to break in. After all, if a thief sees a sign or notices security cameras or security lights, they’ll be less likely to try breaking into your home. However, this isn’t always true—a building without any signs of security may still be an easy target for criminals.
6. A Non-Alarmed House
The sixth thing criminals look for when breaking into properties is a non-alarmed house.
The importance of home security systems cannot be overstated, as they can prevent numerous break-ins from happening in the first place. The best way to ensure that your home is not an easy target for intruders is by installing a quality alarm system and using it properly.
When choosing a security system provider, you should look beyond price and see what monitoring service they provide and how long their contract lasts (if any). These factors will determine whether or not you get value out of your investment!
7. Pets Prevented to Roam Freely
If you have a dog, you’ll probably not want to leave it in the house while you run out for a few minutes. However, the next best thing to do is make sure your dog has an area where they are allowed to roam free and play with other animals. This way, if someone breaks into your property, they will be able to distract them with barking dogs and give them an alibi.
8. Neighbours Who are Not Nosey!
If you live in a neighbourhood with many houses, it is common for the residents of each house to become friends with their neighbours.
People who live in close quarters with one another often develop a special bond that allows them to look out for each other when they need help or advice. This means that if your neighbour has been behaving badly towards you or your property, there’s a chance he or she will talk about what happened with others around him/her, which could lead to criminal activity.
9. A Vulnerable Doorway
The most common type of residential break-in is forced entry when someone uses force or other means to enter a home. But they can also break into your residence if you leave doors unlocked and/or unsecured. A good example is when you let friends in so they can use your Wi-Fi and get ready for an evening out on the town but don’t lock up after them because it’s dark outside.
Another vulnerable doorway isn’t visible from outside—the door leading into your house could be locked from inside but still be accessible via an unlocked window or patio door further down; likewise with an interior staircase leading up to another story in which someone could hide after breaking through windows.
10. Front Doors that Don’t Lock Properly
You should always ensure your front doors are locked, even if you’re only going to leave the house for a few minutes. If someone has a key to your home, they could break in and steal valuable possessions without you even being aware of it. A good way to prevent this is by installing deadbolts on all of the doors in your house and ensuring they’re done up properly. They don’t just have to be locked but also latched securely so that no one can open them without knowing how (and there’s no way anyone would know how).
Conclusion
Criminals look for open windows, trees or shrubs nearby, house numbers in plain sight, dark, non-floodlit areas and a building with no signs of security. If they see these things, they know that the chances are good that you won’t be home and might break in.
So, there you have it, ten things criminals look for when breaking into properties. As we’ve learned, even the smallest details of a house can make all the difference between success and failure for a criminal. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to detect potential weaknesses in your home’s security system and keep unwanted guests out of your home!
Leave a Comment