The Rise in Break-Ins During Remote Work Days

Are You Working from Home? Burglars are Making Note.

Since the shift to remote and hybrid work, the way people live and move through their days has changed. Unfortunately, so have the strategies of criminals. With workers now alternating between home offices and in-office days, burglars have learned to watch for patterns—and strike when they know a property is likely unoccupied.

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, burglaries dropped during the 2020 lockdowns but have rebounded significantly as public activity resumed. Yet, the difference today is that criminals aren’t randomly choosing targets—they’re studying behaviors. An empty driveway every Tuesday and Thursday? That’s all the data they need.

How Remote Work Can Create New Vulnerabilities

Many remote workers believe that simply being home offers full protection from threats. While presence is a deterrent, it’s far from foolproof. Here are several reasons remote or hybrid workers may be at risk:

• Preoccupation: If you’re absorbed in a video meeting or wearing noise-canceling headphones, you might miss the sound of a door creaking open or a window breaking.

• Routine Visibility: Commuting on the same days each week makes it easy for thieves to identify patterns.

• Lax Security Habits: Being home more often can create a false sense of security, leading people to leave doors unlocked or alarms off.

Additionally, office spaces—especially small businesses—are now occupied irregularly, making them ideal targets for daytime theft.

What Burglars Are Watching For

Experienced burglars don’t act impulsively. They observe routines, scout neighborhoods, and look for signs such as:

• Packages piling up on the porch

• Unlit rooms during evenings

• Lack of foot traffic at certain hours

• Open windows or unlocked side doors

This means that even if you work from home part-time, you might still be leaving unintentional clues about when your property is most vulnerable.

Steps to Protect Your Home or Office

Fortunately, several proactive measures can protect your space—whatever your hybrid work plan is. Consider implementing the following:

1. Smart CCTV Surveillance

Install motion-triggered, high-resolution cameras that can be monitored remotely. Many systems now send real-time alerts directly to your phone, allowing you to review footage and respond quickly.

2. Intrusion Alarm Systems

A modern alarm system doesn’t just scare off intruders—it also notifies authorities immediately. Many alarms now integrate with your smartphone for convenient control and instant updates.

3. Smart Lighting and Schedules

Use smart lights to simulate presence, even when you’re away. Randomized schedules for indoor and outdoor lighting can confuse would-be burglars who are looking for patterns.

4. Remote Access Controls

Control door locks, garage doors, and security systems from your mobile device. This enables you to let in family or service professionals without compromising security.

5. Neighborhood Surveillance Sharing

Apps like Ring’s Neighbors or Nextdoor can help communities stay alert and informed. While not a replacement for professional surveillance, they serve as a helpful layer of awareness.

Secure Your Schedule With Cultris Security Systems

Whether you are on a hybrid work schedule,work remotely, commute part-time, or run a small office with an unpredictable schedule, you need security that adjusts to your routine. At Cultris Security Systems, we offer CCTV, intrusion alarms, and remote monitoring solutions designed to keep your property protected at all hours.

Don’t let your daily habits become a roadmap for criminals. Call us at 281-506-8466 or visit www.cultrissecurity.com to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help protect what matters most.