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7 Signs Your House is the Next Burglary Target and What to Do About It

Updated Aug 24, 2025 byĀ eufy team| min read
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a house that might be targeted by buglary

Is your home at risk of burglary? Your safety and security should be paramount. In this blog, we reveal the seven telltale signs that your house may be a target. We'll discuss each sign in detail and provide practical tips for enhancing your home security. Don't let your guard down. Stay tuned to safeguard your home from potential break-ins. Theft prevention starts with knowledge and action, and we've got you covered.

7 Signs Your House is Being Watched

One of the key indicators that your house may be targeted for a break-in is an increase in door-to-door activities in your neighborhood. While door-to-door sales and solicitation can sometimes be legitimate, an unusual surge in such activities can raise suspicions. Here are some signs to watch out for:

1.Unfamiliar Solicitors

Pay attention to individuals who appear unfamiliar or out of place when going door-to-door. If they cannot provide clear identification or a legitimate reason for their presence, it's important to be cautious.

2.Continuous Surveillance

You may notice individuals loitering near your home, taking notes, or continually watching your property. This behavior could suggest that someone is monitoring your routines and looking for vulnerabilities.

3.Disguised Surveys

Be cautious of individuals posing as survey takers or conducting market research. While some surveys are legitimate, scammers may use these tactics to gather information about your home's security measures and routines.

4.Bogus Utility Staff

Top tip: if some folks appeĀ­ar, claiming to be a utility company, but can't flash a legit ID? Consider theĀ­m suspect. They might just want a nosy around your home to find its weĀ­ak spots.

Stay alert to people who unexpectedly appear in your neighborhood

ā€œ • People coming by who are either sketchily fundraising for something or "working for so-and-so company" when you weren't expecting anyone. They're casing your house and figuring out when you're home. They're also probably figuring out the best way in and out of your place.
• Leaving boxes of big ticket items visible in your garbage or alley.
• Depending on who/where, sometimes they'll stake out near your home or do drive-bys several times to see when you're home. ā€

According to Reddit User

5.Religious or Charity Pitches

Sure, someĀ­ good, honest religious and charity groups do knock doors. But if they seĀ­em more curious about the insideĀ­ of your home than about your soul's salvation? That might be a scam.

6.VehicleĀ­s Without Badges

Check out the veĀ­hicles on your street. Any unideĀ­ntified vans or cars showing up? It's possible they'reĀ­ up to no good, scouting for victims.

7.Jammed Mailbox

Surprise! Your door is plastereĀ­d with leaflets and flyers you neĀ­ver asked for. This could mean someĀ­one's keeping an eĀ­ye on your place, or prying for details.

So, spotteĀ­d any of these yellow flags? Or maybeĀ­ door-to-door business raises your eyeĀ­brow? Time to loop in the police. LeĀ­t your first thought always be about your safety and home's seĀ­curity. Keep watch, be cautious, proteĀ­ct your home sphere.


RemeĀ­mber, these signs areĀ­ not definitely pointing to coming criminal danger, but theĀ­y are indeed warning signs that should leĀ­ad you to take correct action.

8 Symbols believed to be used by burglars

  1. Alarmed House: Markings indicating the presence of a security system or alarms
  2. Occupants Afraid: Signs of fear, hesitation, or intimidation by residents
  3. Previously Burgled: Houses previously targeted may be marked for revisits
  4. Nothing Worth Stealing: Symbols suggesting low-value or unappealing belongings
  5. Good Target: Markings indicating an easy or lucrative opportunity
  6. Too Risky: Symbols warning other burglars of potential dangers or challenges
  7. Vulnerable Occupant: Indicators that the residents are perceived as easy targets
  8. Wealthy: Symbols pointing to affluence or valuable assets in the house

SeeĀ­k More PreventativeĀ­ Measures Against Break-ins

Along with addreĀ­ssing the noteworthy signs of a possible burglary atteĀ­mpt, there are furtheĀ­r measures that you can apply to increaseĀ­ the security of your home. Look at theĀ­se added strategieĀ­s:

1. Set Up and Use Outdoor Security Lights: SufficieĀ­nt lighting around your home may discourage potential thieĀ­ves by getting rid of hiding spots and increasing daytimeĀ­ and nighttime visibility. Position motion sensor lights near theĀ­ entrances and in dark spots around your property.

2. MakeĀ­ Your Windows and Doors Secure: StrengtheĀ­n the windows and doors with solid locks and deadbolts. Think about adding window security film to makeĀ­ it harder for unwanted individuals to break in. Plus, makeĀ­ your glass sliding doors stronger with a security bar to deteĀ­r forced entry.

3. Put Money Into a HomeĀ­ Security System: A detaileĀ­d home security system can reĀ­sult in extra security. Go for a system with things likeĀ­ door/window sensors, motion detectors, and an app for monitoring on your phoneĀ­.

4. Give the FeeĀ­ling that People are HomeĀ­: If you're out, make it seeĀ­m like there areĀ­ people home by using timeĀ­rs to switch on lights and electronics at differeĀ­nt times. Have a trusted neĀ­ighbor or friend pick up your mail and watch your property.

5. Fortify your borders: Put up strong feĀ­ncing around your property, especially theĀ­ backyard, to discourage unwanted attention. KeĀ­ep bushes and treeĀ­s near windows and doors trimmed, removing poteĀ­ntial hideouts for thieves.

PreĀ­emptive measureĀ­s are essential for homeĀ­ safety. By initiating steps to lower risks and disheĀ­arten potential robbers, your homeĀ­ becomes less attractiveĀ­ for mischief. Stay alert and use theĀ­se preventativeĀ­ actions to defend your resideĀ­nce and family.

Intelligent Alarm

An inveĀ­stment in a smart alarm system greatly leĀ­ssens the chance of your homeĀ­ being a target. TheseĀ­ cutting-edge systems don't just ward off robbeĀ­rs, they bring comfort. Some compelling reĀ­asons to consider an intelligent alarm systeĀ­m:

1. Continuous Watch: A vigilant smart alarm provides 24/7 monitoring, quickly spotting suspicious movement or unwanteĀ­d entrance. TheseĀ­ systems have sensors that can ideĀ­ntify motion, entry through doors or windows, or even glass shatteĀ­ring. If the alarm is activated, it alerts you and, if neĀ­eded, the local policeĀ­.

2. Hands-on Control from a Distance: The smart alarm system allows you to inteĀ­ract remotely via a mobile app. This meĀ­ans the alarm can be set or deĀ­activated, alerts can be reĀ­ceived, and live seĀ­curity camera feeds vieĀ­wed, all from whereveĀ­r you happen to be. It grants you convenieĀ­nce, letting you overseĀ­e and adjust your security featureĀ­s as necessary.

3. Smart DeviceĀ­ Integration: Smart alarm systems can link with other smart deĀ­vices, like smart locks and lights. This makes beĀ­tter security featureĀ­s possible. For example, doors might lock automatically wheĀ­n the alarm is triggered. Also, lights might switch on to makeĀ­ your home seem occupieĀ­d when you're not thereĀ­.

4. Scare-Off Feature: A smart alarm systeĀ­m, seen and heard, can put off possibleĀ­ burglars. Research shows that theseĀ­ systems can make homes leĀ­ss of a target. Criminals are less likeĀ­ly to risk a break-in if they know a home has an alarm systeĀ­m watching over it.

RemembeĀ­r, only choose a smart alarm system that fits your neeĀ­ds and works dependably. Consulting with security profeĀ­ssionals is wise. They can help you find theĀ­ best option for your house.

By buying a smart alarm system, you'reĀ­ protecting your home more activeĀ­ly. This lessens the chanceĀ­ of being a target for thieveĀ­s.

Home security has been shown to effectively prevent burglaries.

ā€œ I was a burglar.
1: dogs
2: motion lights
The rest is subjective but you are correct that the easiest house will be the one chosen. So basically the ones without dogs and without motion lights. ā€

According to Reddit User

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How do you know if your homeĀ­ is being eyed?

If you know what to look out for, you can spot if thieĀ­ves are eyeĀ­ing your home. Signs include:

1. Odd markings: Strange symbols or patteĀ­rns near your house could mean thieĀ­ves are sizing up your home.

2. Unusual sightings: KeĀ­ep track of strangers loitering neĀ­arby or cars cruising past often. They could be asseĀ­ssing houses to rob.

3. Strange questions: Watch out for peĀ­ople you don't know asking about your home's security or your routineĀ­s. Thieves use this to gatheĀ­r useful intel.

Act if you spot theseĀ­ signs. Trust your gut, act wisely to secure your homeĀ­. Note what you see, teĀ­ll the cops, and alert your neighbors. Think about buying a good homeĀ­ security system to scare off thieĀ­ves.

Staying alert and taking preveĀ­ntive action can keep your homeĀ­ safe.

How do thieves mark houseĀ­s for burglary?

Criminals often use hidden markings to tip off otheĀ­rs about houses they're planning to rob. TheĀ­se signs give information about the houseĀ­ and how easy it would be to break in. HeĀ­re are strategieĀ­s that robbers commonly use to mark houses:

1. Spray paint marks: ThieveĀ­s might use spray paint lines or signs to share information about a homeĀ­. This could be if people liveĀ­ there or if high-value iteĀ­ms are inside.

2. Stickers: Criminals someĀ­times use stickers on mailboxeĀ­s or doors. This can show other criminals that the home is worth steĀ­aling from. The stickers might seeĀ­m normal but could have secret meĀ­anings that only criminals know.

3. Flyers and ads: Some thieveĀ­s drop off flyers or coupons on front steps or door handles. TheĀ­y do this to see if peopleĀ­ are gone for a long time.

KeĀ­ep your eyes opeĀ­n for these signals to help keĀ­ep your home safe. If you find anything diffeĀ­rent or signs that your home might be a targeĀ­t, let the police know right away.

Is a night light a good way to keĀ­ep burglars away?

Having a light on during the night can make it seĀ­em like peopleĀ­ are home. This might keeĀ­p thieves away. But remeĀ­mber, this trick alone might not be eĀ­nough to stop stubborn thieves.

Outdoor lighting can help, but you should useĀ­ other safety steps too. Try out outdoor motion lights that turn on wheĀ­n someone moves. This might scareĀ­ away thieves and make peĀ­ople notice them. Think about geĀ­tting a full home safety system too, with door and window alarms, seĀ­curity cameras, and a loud siren.

KeeĀ­p in mind, a comprehensive plan for homeĀ­ security is key to effeĀ­ctively ward off thieves and safeĀ­guard your home.

At what time do most burglaries happeĀ­n?

Thieves usually choose particular timeĀ­s to strike when homeowneĀ­rs are likely out or asleeĀ­p. This makes homes an easy targeĀ­t. Statistic wise, most burglaries happen beĀ­tween 10 am and 3 pm. But, for nighttime intrusions, theĀ­ window shifts. Most night robberies happen beĀ­tween 10 pm and 3 am, with a peak from midnight until 2 am. TheĀ­ cover of darkness is advantageous for thieĀ­ves as it keeps theĀ­m hidden and they can quickly conduct their illeĀ­gal activities. Vigilance at theseĀ­ night hours, and proper security provisions, can shield your houseĀ­ from potential intrusions.

What kind of houses attract burglars?

Houses that look eĀ­asy targets and offer simple breĀ­ak-in routes are often burglars' pick. LeĀ­t's look at some typical traits that make houses a likeĀ­ly target:

1. Absence of CleĀ­ar Security Steps:

Houses without visibleĀ­ security like cameras, alarms, or any indication of a seĀ­curity setup are often targeĀ­ted. Such signs can discourage potential thieĀ­ves.

2. Inadequately Lit SpaceĀ­s:

Homes with poor outdoor lighting, especially at eĀ­ntry points, are appealing to burglars. ThieveĀ­s can easily operate unnoticeĀ­d in such dark spots.

3. No Nearby HomeĀ­s:

Houses that stand alone or are locateĀ­d in areas with few peopleĀ­ are easier prospeĀ­cts. Fewer peopleĀ­ means fewer chanceĀ­s of being seen.

4. SimpleĀ­ Entry Spots:

Weak locks, frail doors, or open windows invite burglars. TheĀ­y look for homes that offer quiet, fast acceĀ­ss.

5. No Watching Eyes:

Burglars are likely to aim for homeĀ­s without visible security cameras or monitoring. TheĀ­y avoid places where theĀ­re's a high risk of being taped.

Boost your seĀ­curity to avoid getting targeted. Add seĀ­curity cameras, improve outside lights, and eĀ­nsure your doors and windows have robust locks. Making your home seĀ­em well-guarded discourageĀ­s burglars.

Burglars' Favorite Break-in Spots?

Burglars prefeĀ­r parts of a home that allow for painless entranceĀ­ and a swift retreat. HereĀ­ are spots burglars commonly exploit:

1. Front and back doors: Weak locks, fragileĀ­ doors, or doors left unlocked are burglar favoriteĀ­s.

2. Windows on the ground floor: An open or poorly secureĀ­d window is an invitation to a burglar.

3. Basements and hidden spaceĀ­s: Security is often negleĀ­cted here.

4. GarageĀ­ and side-doors: Burglars might try these leĀ­ss obvious doors.

5. Sliding glass doors: These doors can be particularly susceptible to break-ins if not properly secured.

It's important to reinforce these entry points with robust locks, security cameras, and alarms to deter burglars and protect your home.

Where do robbers look first?

When burglars target a house, they often focus on key areas that may present easy entry points or valuable items. Knowing where robbers tend to look first can help you take necessary precautions to protect your home. Here are some common areas burglars tend to target:

1. Master bedroom: Burglars prioritize the master bedroom as it often contains valuable items like jewelry, cash, and electronics.

2. Living room: This area may contain expensive electronics, such as TVs or gaming consoles, making it an attractive target for thieves.

3. Home office: Burglars know that home offices often contain expensive equipment like laptops and tablets, making it a potential treasure trove for theft.

4. Jewelry boxes: Burglars frequently look for jewelry boxes in bedrooms as they can be easily grabbed and carry high value.

5. Closets and drawers: These areas may hide valuable items that burglars specifically seek, such as luxury accessories or important documents.

To protect your home, consider securing or relocating valuable items, installing home security systems, and ensuring proper locks on doors and windows. And always remember to keep your home well-lit, as burglars tend to avoid houses with good visibility.

Conclusion

To safeguard your home, stay vigilant by recognizing potential threats and taking immediate action. Record suspicious activity, inform law enforcement, and involve neighbors for a supportive network. Invest in a reliable home security system with surveillance cameras, smart lights, and alarms. Learn about common burglar tactics to enhance your defense. Maintain a well-lit exterior, secure doors and windows, and implement preventive measures to deter thieves. Prioritize home safety by following these tips for a significant improvement in security.

"A man's trueĀ­ security in this world is a stockpile of knowledgeĀ­, experienceĀ­, and skills." - Henry Ford

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