According to government statistics, just about every eight seconds or so a burglary takes place in the United States. The average homeowner has about a one in six chance of being a victim of a burglary at some point in their lives! You can take some precautions to ensure you’re not one of these unfortunate victims however by understanding where burglars tend to make attempts to break in at. With this knowledge in mind, the best home security cameras or home alarm systems can be put in place that emphasize these locations based on the likelihood of them to be broken into, as well as the location relative to your own property.
Front Door – 34%
Even I was surprised at my first time finding this out, and for good reason! The front door is generally going to be facing a street, and is the most public location that someone could pick to try and break in at. Nevertheless, 34% of break ins start right at the front door, where it is usually kicked or forced open somehow. Keep a security camera facing straight out the front door for the best chance to deter or at least identify the intruder at a later time.
Ground Level Windows – 23%
First floor windows are number two behind the front door, which isn’t all that surprising. What is surprising however, is that the intruders generally gain access through unlocked windows! Having a window alarm is always helpful for such things, but actually locking the window is a good first step!
Back Door – 22%
After finding that the front is 34%, a 22% chance for the back door makes sense. Since the intruder isn’t usually in public when entering through the back door, he has more time to think of a more sophisticated method of entry. This results in less kicked in or forced open back doors, which tend to have their locks picked.
Garage – 9%
Whether you have an attached or unattached garage, make sure you keep it secure as well! An unlocked, unattached garage is an invitation for sloppy burglars to come through and have a field day with any expensive tools and equipment. They might even turn that equipment right back around on you to break into your own home with! At least keep a lock on the door if it isn’t going to be monitored.
Basements – 4%
Since these statistics are nationwide, the numbers for basements will of course be lower, considering some states don’t typically have basements in their homes. Alabama being one, for example. Burglars do look at basements as a fairly easy target however, because the homeowner will most likely be upstairs sleeping, far away from where he’ll be making noise breaking into the basement. Make sure your basement windows are kept just as secure as your ground level ones.