What you need to know about burglary?

The declining burglary rate in the United States is good news for homeowners, as it is currently less than one-fifth of what it was in 1980.

When do burglaries happen?

Contrary to popular belief, most burglaries occur during the day, when homeowners are at work and children are at school. Burglars frequently strike between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., with a spike in activity around lunchtime, as per ADT reports. These statistics underline the importance of a surveillance system that can monitor the property promptly and offer real-time alerts of any potential intrusions, regardless of the time of day.

Urban areas are more likely to experience burglaries, as crime rates are generally higher in urban than rural areas. The largest U.S. cities are three to four times more susceptible to both property and violent crimes than rural areas.

According to a previous study by the Justice Department, burglary victims knew the burglar in 30 percent of cases. In 24 percent of cases, the burglar was a stranger, but in most cases (46 percent), the burglar’s identity was never established.

Who do burglaries happen to?

The FBI’s property crime data reveals that private residential properties are most vulnerable to burglaries. The Southern states consistently show a higher risk of burglary than their Northeastern counterparts, with currency and jewelry targeted the most frequently, according to software company The Porch Group.

Based on the 2019 crime report data, rural areas are at higher risk than densely populated cities. Historically, renters have been at a higher risk than homeowners for burglary, as indicated by data from the U.S. Department of Justice. However, the gap is closing. The SafeWise 2023 State of Safety Report shows that 28 percent of renters experience property crime, compared to 27 percent of homeowners. Thus, homeowners are equally vulnerable to burglaries.

An analysis of the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) by the Bureau of Justice Statistics reveals that, in 2022, households with a combined income of over 75,000 are at the lowest risk of burglary. Households with an income of less than 25,000 a year are at the highest risk of victimization overall. Furthermore, households with six or more residents are at a higher risk of burglary than those with one or two residents.

How do burglaries happen?

Although the number of burglaries has reduced significantly in recent years, understanding their modus operandi can guide preventive efforts.

A report by home security company ADT reveals that in 34 percent of burglaries, the offenders gain access into the home by merely twisting the doorknob and walking inside, while 23 percent use an open first-floor window. These statistics highlight that access to homes during burglaries is often very straightforward, allowing criminals to enter easily. Additionally, burglaries may take much less time than expected, usually eight to ten minutes, according to the FBI.