Five Things Burglars Look For Before Breaking Into a Home

Before breaking in, burglars often size up a home quickly: is there an alarm, is there a dog, is anyone home, can they work out of sight, and is a door or window left open? Make each answer the wrong one for them and your home becomes a much harder target. Here is what they look for and how to respond.

Whether you are going out of town or just heading to work, the idea of someone breaking into your home is unsettling. These five checks are a good place to start your own walk-around.

1. Is there an alarm system?

Burglars want to get in and out fast without being noticed, so they look for signs a home is alarmed: a security panel visible through a window, cameras near the door, a yard sign, or window decals.

Pro tip: Put alarm signs and decals where they are easy to see from the street and the backyard. They work best when backed by a real monitored home security system.

2. Is there a dog?

A barking dog draws attention, and nobody wants to get bitten. If you have a dog, great. Make it obvious.

Pro tip: A "beware of dog" sign or a big water bowl by the back door can give a burglar second thoughts, even if your dog is more cuddly than fierce.

3. Is anyone home?

Burglars try hard to avoid running into the homeowner. Someone at home can call police, trigger an alarm, or identify them. Make your home look occupied, especially when it is not.

Pro tip: When you are on vacation, automate your lights so they follow a normal evening schedule, and set outdoor lights to turn on when motion is detected.

4. Is there good cover?

A burglar does not want to be seen going in or out. Tall shrubs by windows, dark side yards, and a high fence that blocks the neighbors' view can all give cover. Walk your property at night from a burglar's point of view: where could someone hide, and where is the lighting weak?

Pro tip: Trim shrubs below window height, add motion lighting to dark areas, and keep gates locked. A locked fence makes it harder to get in and harder to get out carrying anything.

5. Are doors and windows open?

When the weather is nice, open windows feel great, but they are an easy way in, especially when you are not home. A screen is not a barrier; it can be cut in seconds. If you leave a window open, choose an upper-floor window or use window stops that limit the opening. Keep doors locked even when you are home, because a burglar may simply try the handle.

Pro tip: Door and window sensors tell you, and your app, when something is left open. Smart locks can lock the doors for you when you arm the system.

Go further

For a full walk-through of entry points, myths, and common mistakes, read our guide on how to protect your home from burglars.

Live in Las Vegas or Phoenix and want a smart home security system? Request a free quote and a Sting Alarm security professional will reach out.