Could your home be a target for burglary? While you might assume that crimes are random acts, it's surprising to learn that some burglaries are actually premeditated. In 2022 alone, there were 673,261 burglary incidents reported nationwide, according to the FBI. Because burglaries can occur swiftly and authorities may not always respond in time, prevention is the most effective strategy.
Practicing basic security measures and being aware of warning signs can help prevent your home from becoming a target. Below are four top signs that your home might be targeted by burglars.
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While burglaries may seem random, criminals usually look for opportunities to commit their crimes. It might be a surprise to learn that burglaries spend time assessing their victims and vulnerabilities before striking. In order to find their next victim, they often watch and learn the habits of their next target. Below are signs that burglars may be targeting you:
Instead of paying attention to the make and model of cars that may be suspicious, pay attention to the behaviors and circumstances surrounding unknown vehicles frequenting your neighborhood.
Who’s in the car?
Unless someone is working nearby or waiting for someone to pick up or see in the area, most people park their cars and leave them. It can be a red flag if someone who has no reason to be in the area is simply sitting in the vehicle. It likely means this person is casing the neighborhood to see who they can target or how to best commit the crime.
Are they equipped?
Is the person in the vehicle using surveillance devices such as cameras or binoculars? Then it may be a sign that they are actively scoping out who will be their next victim and when and how to best commit their crime.
Is there a rotation of people or multiple people involved?
If you start noticing a pattern around different people showing up in the same car on varying days or if multiple people are hanging out in the same car, it might be a sign that you or your neighbors are being targeted.
While it might appear unwise for criminals to confront their victims before committing a crime, they often do visit potential victims' doorsteps for four specific reasons.
1) Establish schedules: Burglars might come to your door to confirm when or if someone is home.
2) Observe more details: Getting you to open the door gives them an opportunity to observe additional details about your home. They can observe any additional occupants if there are pets that can deter their crimes or any additional obstacles to committing their crimes, such as security systems or cameras.
3) Commit the crime: Some criminals are ready to strike should the opportunity arise. They usually use a false circumstance, especially with a sense of urgency, to get you to open the door. They may see this as an opportunity to enter your home and rob you then and there.
4) Vandalism: While it may seem counterintuitive, burglars will sometimes commit small, random acts of vandalism to test to see if their victims are paying attention or the targeted homes are occupied. These random acts may include but not be limited to:
Burglars sometimes leave subtle signs or markings around a property to indicate it as a target. These can include:
Burglars may attempt to disable or test your security systems before committing a crime. Look out for:
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Now that you're aware of the four signs that indicate your home may be a target for burglars, it's crucial to take proactive steps to enhance your security. If you're unsure about which security cameras or systems to invest in, you'll want to check out our article on the best home security systems.
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Whether you’re leaving town for a vacation or noticing an upswing in crime in your neighborhood, it is important to pay attention to the four signs that you or your neighbors are being targeted by burglars. Separately, these small signs are easy to miss, but together, they paint a picture of a perfect target. While it may seem prudent to confront these suspicious individuals directly, it may be more dangerous for you. In addition to increasing your own security measures and raising the awareness of your neighbors, you can reach out to local authorities to alert them of suspicious activities. Sometimes, local authorities may increase patrol in your area, which may deter criminals from acting.
What experiences have you had with home security and how have they influenced your approach to protecting your home? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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