4 Ways to Prevent Daytime Burglaries

We often visualize burglaries to occur in dark settings; however, this is a popular misconception. In fact, robberies often transpire during the day, when families are running errands, or at work and school.

In 2012, 40% of home burglaries were committed in broad daylight. In comparison, only 20% were committed at night. In 15% of cases, the time of the crime was not available.

Don’t be fooled by the common belief that property crimes only occur under the cover of night. Protect your home at all times of day. A few quick fixes can take your home off a burglar’s short list of places to rob.

Here are four ways to make your home unattractive to perusing criminals.

1. Change Your Routine

Most thieves scope out neighborhoods and homes ahead of time. They watch your routine from afar, and take note of:

When you leave for work
When you come home
When the mailman arrives
How active your neighbors are

Change your routine from time to time, if there is flexibility within your schedule.

2. Lock Doors and Windows

In addition to observing patterns in your daily activities, criminals also survey the home to see if it will be an easy-in-easy-out target.

As simple as it sounds, remember to lock windows and doors. In 2012, close to 34% of all burglaries in the U.S. were filed as unlawful entries, meaning entrance did not require force.

How is this possible? Unlocked doors, windows and garages were easy access points.

3. Don’t Flaunt Valuables

Large boxes in your trash indicate to prowling burglars that you’ve just made a pricey purchase. Before putting them on your curb, fold boxes so that they are smaller, and the logos of the company or product are not in plain view.

Furthermore, avoid placing expensive items in view from the window. A quick peep can inform prying eyes of whether or not your home is worthy to burglarize.

4. Install a Home Security System

A home security system is a great deterrent to burglars. Place your security vendor’s yard sign in plain sight to warn intruders that your home is monitored.

For further piece of mind, consider installing a video surveillance system. With it, you’re given the power to look in on your home from anytime, anywhere—whether you’re at work, down the street or halfway around the world. Just log into your account via PC, laptop, tablet or mobile phone, and see real-time video feeds.