10 Signs That Make Your Home a Mark for Burglars

Home security is always an ongoing concern for Australian homeowners and renters. Break-ins and burglaries occur more often than many people realise. With crime on the increase, burglars often target homes that have no or minimal security measures in place. This makes these homes easy access for nefarious individuals looking for a quick score.

It’s vital you understand what makes your home attractive to criminals. This way, you can take proactive steps to secure your property and deter potential intruders. This article focuses on ten signs that might make your home a target for break-ins.

1. Poor or no exterior lighting

Most criminals prefer to operate under the cover of night, using the darkness and shadows to conceal their approach and getaway. The issue with a home that’s poorly lit is that it’s like an open invitation to burglars who work at night. If your home has dim or no outdoor lighting after dark, especially around the entry points, it increases the possibility of break-ins.

The solutions are lights activated by motion sensors and well-placed security lighting. These lights significantly increase the chances of exposing intruders as they approach.

2. Overgrown trees and bushes

Aside from the cover of darkness, thieves like other ways to hide their presence, whether it’s during the day or nighttime. Overgrown trees and bushes provide the perfect cover as they are natural hiding spots. Thick vegetation near windows and doors (or anywhere around the yard) allows intruders to remain unnoticed while attempting to break in.

Always trim trees and shrubs regularly to ensure clean lines of sight around your home. This minimises hiding places for burglars and makes it that much harder to go unnoticed.

3. Zero visible security measures

Home security systems, motion sensor lighting, and other measures are all effective as deterrents to criminals. If your home has zero visible security measures, it makes it an easy and tempting target. However, if your house is equipped with CCTV cameras, alarm systems, or security signs, it will make a burglar think twice about targeting it.

Thieves typically avoid homes that present a higher risk of getting caught. Instead, they’ll seek out an easier target with minimal risks.

4. Unlocked doors and windows

If you’re in the habit of leaving your doors and windows unlocked, this is like an invite to burglars. So many intruders gain entry through unlocked doors and windows, especially during the warmer months of spring and summer when windows and sliding doors are often left open to let cooler air inside.

Always make sure all of your doors and windows are securely locked, even when you’re at home. It’s also wise to install high-quality deadbolts for added security.

5. No fence or security gate

If your house has no fencing or a security gate, it makes access that much easier for thieves. Burglars love places that are appealing and easy to enter. However, if you have a high fence and a lockable gate, it acts as a physical barrier that will either delay or discourage thieves. Rather than leaving the perimeter of your home wide open to unwanted guests, consider installing a strong fence and reinforcing entry points to increase protection.

6. Mail and packages piling up

Many thieves are switched on and look for any sign that will make your home a target. They’d much rather attempt a break in where a home is obviously unattended, as this makes the likelihood of getting caught almost nil.

Things like a buildup of mail, packages, and newspapers are all telltale signs that your house is currently unattended. This makes your property a prime target for criminals. Burglars often scout properties where homeowners appear to be away for extended periods.

If you’re going on a holiday, ask a neighbour to collect your mail, packages, and newspapers, and arrange for someone to mow the lawn while you’re gone.

7. Oversharing on social media

Be very careful about sharing stuff on social media when you’re away. Things like posting holiday plans, check-ins, or updates about your vacation are telegraphing to burglars that your home is going to be vacant for a period of time.

These days, criminals are very savvy and switched on. They take full advantage of modern technology and monitor social media profiles to identify when homes will be unoccupied. To stay safe, avoid sharing travel details online and update your privacy settings to restrict who can view your posts.

8. No alarms or dog sounds

It’s only natural that burglars will focus on homes that have minimal disturbances. They don’t seek confrontation and would rather go unnoticed. Therefore, a barking dog or a home alarm system can be enough to make an intruder think again before attempting a break in.

Even if you don’t own a dog, placing a “Beware of Dog” sign on the fence or installing a motion-activated alarm system (or even lighting) will serve as an effective deterrent against criminals.

9. Obvious signs of an empty home at night

When no one is home for the evening, it’s always wise to make it look like someone is at home. Leaving one or two lights on inside, or perhaps even the TV or music playing, gives the impression that someone is there.

Smart lighting solutions that operate on timers to turn lights on and off also create the illusion that someone is home, reducing the chances of a break in.

10. Weak or old locks

Old and outdated locks are easy pickings for experienced thieves. They can gain entry rapidly without being noticed. Don’t make it easy for burglars. Update your locks to sturdy, quality, brand new locks or smart locks, as well as deadlocks and reinforced striking plates.

We can bolster your home’s security.

By recognising the signs that make your home more of a target to burglars, you can implement measures to reduce the risk of break-ins and fortify your home’s security. Talk to the team at Smart Security. We’ve got you covered for the latest in home alarm systems, smart locks, security lighting designs, and more. Contact us today for a consultation or a quote.