When are Burglars most Likely to Strike?
Home invasion happens once every fifteen seconds in the United States, according to data by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Imagine returning home from a long day at work or a vacation to discover burglars have broken in.
There are ways to protect your home from burglary, such as knowing when criminals are most likely to strike. By “thinking” like a burglar, you’ll have an easier time protecting your home from criminals.
Summer Isn’t Just Vacation Season
The majority of home break-ins and burglaries occur during the summer months of June through early September.
Why? Homeowners tend to leave windows open to let in cooling breezes, making it much easier for burglars to gain access. In addition, summer is a time of year when families are away on vacation, leaving their property susceptible to burglary.
This doesn’t mean you should cancel your annual summer vacation.. But you should conceal your plans so that criminals are unaware of your upcoming travel arrangements. Here are some tips to make your home look occupied while you are away:
- Place a hold on your mail for the duration of your vacation.
- Install motion sensor outdoor lights.
- Use automated light switches and plugs you can turn on and off remotely.
- Mow the lawn before leaving on vacation — or if you intend to be gone for a long period of time, hire someone you trust to mow it for you.
- Keep the blinds/curtains closed to prevent burglars from peeking inside your home.
Early Morning and Mid-Day are Prime Times for Burglars
Contrary to what some people believe, burglars typically strike during the early morning or mid-day hours — not at night. This is when homeowners and occupants are typically away. However, intruders have been known to enter homes while the occupants are asleep. While rare, this can lead to an encounter between occupants and burglars and is much more dangerous.
For True Protection, Consider a Home Security System
If you truly want to protect your home, consider investing in a home security system. Here’s why:
- A security system will protect all entry points into your home with sensors. If a burglar enters, the sensors will trigger a loud alarm while simultaneously notifying the monitoring company.
- With motion sensors, even if someone gets past the exterior alarm, they will trigger the motion sensors inside.
- Keypads installed near entry doors and in bedrooms make it easy to hit a “panic button,” which will trigger alarms and notify the monitoring company. A small panic button can also be kept next to the bed or even can be kept in your pocket when at home.
- A comprehensive system can also include real-time video surveillance, meaning you can monitor your home from wherever you are via your mobile phone or computer.
Cultris Security Systems can assess your home security vulnerabilities and design a home security system that includes sensors, motion detectors and video surveillance to fit homes of any size. Contact us at 281-506-8466 or visit us online!
