Burglaries are a frightening idea for any homeowner.
We take time and care to build our homes to be our safe space, so the thought of someone entering and potentially taking your possessions is enough to inspire fear and worry.
However, understanding the patterns and behavior of burglars can help you avoid falling victim to a burglary yourself.
14 Burglary Statistics
We dig into recent burglary statistics that can shine a light on when and how burglaries often occur.
Burglaries happen once every 30 seconds on average in the U.S.²
Most break-ins occur between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.³
The FBI reported 290,909 daytime burglaries compared to 195,884 nighttime burglaries in 2019.²
A household member is home during roughly 28% of burglaries.⁴
Most burglaries occur during July and August, while February is the month with the least amount of burglaries.⁵
34% of burglars enter through an unlocked front door.⁴
23% of burglars entered a home through a first-floor window.⁴
22% of burglars entered through a back door.⁴
Second-floor windows were the least common form of entry for burglars, with only 2% of home break-ins occurring this way.⁴
100% of convicted burglars surveyed said they knocked on the front door of a home before breaking in.⁶
The average burglary lasts 10 minutes or less.²
50.1% of the 761,712 burglaries reported to the FBI in 2020 were conducted by someone known to the victim, such as a family member, acquaintance, or significant other.⁷
A survey of convicted burglars found they avoided homes with a large dog.⁶
Homes without a home security system were 300% more likely to be burglarized.⁸
Tips to help prevent a break-in
While break-ins can still occur even at the most well-protected homes, there are a few steps you can take to safeguard your abode and your belongings.
Keep your vacation plans to yourself: Announcing vacation dates can be a major tip-off to a burglar that you will be out of your home, giving them the opportunity to break-in while you’re out of town.
Install a home security system: A home security system, or even a camera or yard sign, can greatly deter burglars. Plus, a home security system can be a way to save a bit of money on your home insurance premiums.
Hang a “Beware of dog” sign: Dog owners can hang this sign to alert potential burglars that you have a dog that could make a break-in more difficult.
Keep the radio on: A battery-powered radio can make it sound like people are home and cause a burglar to re-think entering your home.
Being more aware of the tactics and motivations of burglars can help you keep the things that matter most to you safe and where they should be.
