10 Burglary Myths Debunked!
You may be rightfully concerned about a burglary, and you are not alone. If you were to google burglary you will find countless resources telling you how to keep your property safe. We have some on our website and like with many things online, it pays to look for credible sources. To help you tell fact from fiction we’ve compiled this list of the ten most common burglary myths debunked. We hope that it helps you focus your attention in the right areas.
BURGLARY MYTH #1: BURGLARS STRIKE AT NIGHT
This is probably the most common myth about burglaries, one that has been fuelled by Hollywood movies. We all imagine the elusive cat burglar creeping round the property at night, but the facts tell a very different story. The majority of burglaries take place between the hours of 10am and 3pm. If you think about it this makes a lot of sense as it is when houses are empty and suburban neighborhoods are quiet.
BURGLARY MYTH #2: THE WINDOW IS THE MOST COMMON ENTRY POINT
A window might seem like the most common entry point and people over commit to making sure their windows are safe. The reality is that most burglars will enter through the front door 60% of the time, while the second most common entry point is a second floor balcony. That said, you should still keep your windows locked as an open and unlocked window gives easy access for an opportunistic burglar.
BURGLARY MYTH #3: A GOOD HIDING PLACE WILL KEEP YOUR VALUABLES SAFE
The thing about burglars is that they know more about burglaries than you do. Unless they are petty criminals taking a chance, they will know exactly where people tend to hide valuables. If you are keeping jewellery in your sock drawer, you are playing right into their hands. A hiding place might make it a bit more difficult, but you need to ask yourself if it is worth the risk. We would suggest you rather invest in a safe that is bolted to a wall.
BURGLARY MYTH #4: FAKE SECURITY CAMERAS WORK
Following on from this myth burglars understand home security better than most homeowners and they can spot a fake camera from a mile away. While it might be enough to make rank amateurs think twice, a seasoned criminal will see right through this façade. If you have the means to, invest in the real thing and make sure your security measures are clearly visible on your house.
BURGLARY MYTH #5: A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM WILL KEEP YOU SAFE
Let’s just begin by saying that neighborhood watch programs are great. But they have their limitations, and any burglar worth their salt will understand the times and patrols of these sorts of programs. A neighborhood watch program should form part of a layered security plan, in combination with an alarm system to alert neighbors it can be a lifesaver.
BURGLARY MYTH #6: LIGHTNING DOESN’T STRIKE TWICE
Many people believe that once their house has been burgled the burglars won’t return, but if you stop and think about it this doesn’t hold up. Burglars who have been in a home before have an intimate knowledge of the layout and security measures in place and returning to the house after some time, when the owner has dropped his guard and replaced the stolen goods, is an enticing option.
BURGLARY MYTH #7: BURGLARS STAKE OUT AND PLAN BURGLARIES
Just because burglars are pros at getting into homes and getting out with valuables doesn’t mean that they plan meticulously beforehand. Many burglaries are crimes of opportunity where a burglar will spot a security weakness and act. This is why it is essential to remove temptation for opportunistic burglars by making entry as difficult as possible.
BURGLARY MYTH #8: ALL BURGLARS ARE STRANGERS
This might come as a shock, but many burglars actually know their marks and their properties. The typical burglar lives within 2 miles of their target and will know the neighborhood well. A burglar can be someone you know, a salesperson or a friend of a friend. You should always be cautious about who you invite into your home.
BURGLARY MYTH #9: THEY ARE LOOKING FOR ELECTRONICS
Anyone who has tried to move a large TV will understand why this is an unattractive mark for a burglar. Burglars are looking for small, high value items like cash and jewellery and as we mentioned before they know exactly where people usually hide these types of items. Most burglars will go past the electronics and head straight for the bedroom.
BURGLARY MYTH #10: HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE
Everyone’s home security needs are different but by layering your security measures and combining different security measures you can make your home more secure without breaking the bank. By using a combination of more cost effective solutions such as lockable window latches and deadbolts, with more high tech options you can ensure your home is safe and secure.
We hope that you found this list helpful. If you have some more home burglary myths you’ve discovered in your research, share them with us and we’ll include them in a future article.
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