18 Facts That Will Make You Rethink What You Thought You Knew About Burglary

Most of us think we have a pretty good understanding about burglary but what you don’t know or mistakenly believe will surprise you. Burglary is simple. It is someone unlawfully entering your home and taking your possessions, right? Wrong. Burglary is the unlawful or forcible entry or attempted entry of a residence. This crime usually, but not always, involves theft. The illegal entry may be by force such as by breaking a window or slashing a screen. It may also be without force, such as through an unlocked door or window. And the surprising facts don’t stop there. Here are 18 more facts that will have you wanting to up your security game.

    1. The vast majority of burglaries are preventable with 87% of them attributed to residents failing to do things like lock doors or windows, or set alarms, or making daily schedule too public.
    2. The most popular entry point for burglars is the front door.
    3. One in three burglars enter through unlocked doors or windows.
    4. 95% of burglars are male.
    5. The majority of burglars are 25 years old or younger.
    6. Burglars typically live within 2 miles of their victims and in many cases, someone they have met.
    7. A burglary happens every 15 seconds somewhere in the United States.
    8. The average loss from burglary is $2,230.
    9. The arrest rates for burglary is 13%
    10. Most burglaries happen in the day, not night, while residents are away.
    11. The most vulnerable type of home is a single-family detached home which provides the most points of access and cover to hide.
    12. Homes in the middle of the block are more vulnerable than those on corners which are in pain view.
    13. Most burglars check social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare to see who is away on vacation or out of town for the day.
    14. Only 17% of homes have security systems but……
    15. …… Not having a home security system increases your chances of being burglarized by three times.
    16. Over 60% of convicted burglars say they would avoid a home with a security system in place.
    17. Most burglars have been convicted of other crimes.
    18. Even if a resident is not home at the time of a burglary, they can still feel traumatized for some time to come.

Burglaries do not fit most of the clichés most people think when they think of burglaries. Knowing and understanding the real facts surrounding this crime can help you avoid becoming a burglary statistic. From intrusion to fire and video and access control, Knight Security Systems offers the technologies that help secure your life. If you have any questions about the best ways to prevent burglary, call Knight Security Systems today.

Keith Maley
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