Six Tips to Prevent Home Break-ins

Home burglary generally has a pattern; criminals are looking for an easy target they can rob fast. Even though a burglary occurs every 20 seconds in the U.S., you can protect yourself without installing top-dollar security features.

Here are six tips from career burglars you can use to defend your home and prevent break-ins.

1. Daytime is the most popular time for a break-in
Nighttime isn't the best time for burglary.  Burglars like to break in to homes during daytime hours when it is more likely no one is home.  Weekdays are ideal since weekend schedules are too unpredictable.  Between 12:30pm and 2:30pm are the most popular times because there is a higher change people will be away at work or school.  If you can occasionally pop home for a bit of lunch, this breaks up the routine, making it harder for burglars to predict when you'll be away.

2. Don't post about vacations on social media
While you like to share photos/posts on social media 'in the moment' when you're on vacation - don't.  Criminals scout public social media accounts to find victims. More than 10% of burglars indicated in a survey that they used social media to determine who was out of town. Locating someones home address is easy. Never post when you'll be away from home or how long you'll be gone.

3. Use a security system of some kind
Homes without a security system are almost 300% more likely to be targeted for a break-in. Using a security company system with a strong code, or even simple things like motion sensor lights, bright flood lights or timed lights can be effective deterrents. Ensure windows are locked, use your deadbolt, leave a TV or radio on during the day or even have a car parked in the driveway to help scare criminals away.

4. Keep quiet about on-site weapons
If you're a proud gun owner, that won't scare away burglars - it entices them. A gun is stolen roughly every two minutes in the U.S..  Be sure to always lock up any guns at your home. NRA bumper stickers on a car or Smith & Wesson signs on a house advertises that there are lots of guns to steal.

5. Shrubs and Architecture make great hiding spots
Tall bushes are favorites of burglars since they offer an obstructed view from the street. Keep shrubs and large landscaping features trimmed.  Consider any exterior architecture too as possible opportunities for burglars to hide behind.  Decor items such as tall fences, half walls, or big fountains are perfect hiding spots.  The best defense is a clear view of your front porch.

6. Keep expensive items out of sight
A new MacBook by the first floor kitchen window, iPads on the living room coffee table, and a nice car in the garage window with a clear sight line to the street are all eye-candy for a burglar. Put key hooks, family calendars and personal mail or documents out of plain sight from windows - they are inviting a break-in by prowling criminals looking for expensive items or details for identity theft.

Using these tips can help you protect your home from break-ins. Also, be sure to research crime rates and trends in your neighborhood and state.  Below is a graphic using FBI data (from 2015) on break-in activity in various states.  In the Portland metro area, you can find crime data for your local community by going to portlandmaps.com or CrimeReports.com for Washington County.

The Best States for Avoiding Break-ins

Using data collected by the FBI, ASecureLife compiled a summary of the states with the lowest numbers of recorded break-ins per 100,000 inhabitants in 2015.

Article adapted from RISMedia's Housecall '6 Things Professional Burglars Don't Want You to Know"