Outsmart Burglars: How to Think Like One and Stop a Break-In Before It Starts

Burglary and home invasion are serious concerns for homeowners across the country. For many, the fear of becoming a target motivates them to do everything in their power to secure their homes. But if you truly want to prevent a break-in, there’s a different approach you should consider: think like a burglar. Understanding how burglars assess homes can give you the upper hand in securing yours.

Understanding Burglary: The Mind of a Criminal

To stop a burglar before they even step foot on your property, you need to know how they think. What are they looking for? What will make them move on to the next house? Just like a chess player anticipates their opponent’s next move, you must understand the strategies burglars use to plan their attacks. Once you have that insight, you can start building a defense to stop them in their tracks.

Surprising Statistics About Burglars

Statistics can reveal a lot about burglars’ habits. While I’m not going to go into a deep dive, here are some eye-opening figures from SafeHome.org that highlight what makes burglars tick:

• 83% of burglars check for a home security system before attempting a break-in.
• 60% will choose a new target if they detect a home security system.
• 50% will immediately abort a break-in if they discover an alarm system.
• 31% will retreat the moment they detect an alarm system.

It’s clear: burglars want to avoid security systems at all costs. But why? The answer is simple: they don’t want to get caught.

Why Burglars Avoid Security Systems

Burglars don’t want to get caught—that’s their primary motivation. A home equipped with an alarm or cameras significantly increases the risk of getting caught, arrested, or even caught on tape. When burglars encounter a security system, they’re much more likely to abandon their attempt and move on to an easier target.

This brings us to a key takeaway: the harder you make it for a burglar, the less likely they are to target your home. The more obstacles you create—like security systems, barriers, or surveillance—the less likely a burglar will see your home as an easy mark. The longer they spend trying to break in, the higher their risk of getting caught.

Most Burglaries Are Impulsive

Many people think burglars meticulously plan their break-ins, but that’s not the case. In fact, 41% of burglaries are spur-of-the-moment decisions. According to SafeHome.org, only 12% are premeditated. What does this mean for you?

Burglars often act on impulse, particularly when they need money for quick fixes, like buying drugs. If you can create circumstances that make it difficult for them to follow through, they might rethink the burglary altogether. The more uncomfortable you make the process, the more likely they are to give up before they even start.

Making Your Home Unappealing to Burglars

Now that you understand how burglars think, let’s discuss how to make your home a less appealing target.

• Security System: Install visible security measures, like surveillance cameras or security signs in your windows. These tell burglars that you’re protected, which makes them more likely to move on.
• Lighting: Use automated lighting to create the illusion that someone is home, especially at night. Motion-sensor lights around entry points are a great deterrent.
• Landscaping: Plant thorny bushes around windows. Not only will these make it harder to break in, but they’ll also make burglars think twice before approaching.

What Burglars Look For

Burglars scout properties before making a move. They look for three things:

1. Location: Homes on busy streets are riskier targets, as there’s more potential for them to be seen. Quiet, secluded areas are more attractive for burglars looking for a low-risk target.
2. Occupants: Burglars want to know if anyone is home. If they sense there are people inside, they’re more likely to back off or adjust their strategy.
3. Security Measures: As already noted, burglars actively look for signs of home security, including cameras, alarm system decals, or even dogs.

If a burglar feels like they’re being watched or that the home is too difficult to breach, they’ll likely move on to an easier target.

Make Life as Hard as Possible for Burglars

In my years of research on home security, one of the most consistent pieces of advice I come across is this: make life difficult for burglars. The harder you make their job, the less likely they are to follow through.

A strong home security system is your first line of defense. Many experts, including Vivint.com, recommend the following to maximize your security:

• Door and window sensors
• Motion detectors
• Glass break sensors
• Wireless video cameras
• 24/7 monitoring

Vivint’s approach to home security focuses on making every entry point as difficult as possible to access. The more you invest in creating obstacles, the more likely burglars will move on to an easier target. Check out their post on the best home security systems for California to see their recommendations for maximum safety and security.

Conclusion

To stop a burglar before they even begin, think like one. By understanding their motivations, tendencies, and the red flags they look for, you can put measures in place that make your home an unappealing target. A robust security system, combined with smart landscaping and lighting, can make your home a fortress that burglars won’t dare approach.