Let’s face the facts, no one wants to have their home ransacked by burglars. You arrive home after being gone and suffer the horrible experience of finding your house in total disarray and your valuables missing. Before this unfortunate event happens to you, check out this infographic which looks at recent burglary statistics and shows how to use this information to reduce the chances of burglaries to your home.
Burglary Statistics, Facts and Prevention
According to the recent data shared by FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics, the previous 10-year trend showed that property crime offenses such as burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson decreased 21.3% in 2017.
FBI’s 2017 property crime rate data shows that it was 3.0% less than the 2016 estimate and 21.3% less than the 2008 estimate.
Burglaries accounted for 18.2% of the estimated number of property crimes. (Larceny-theft accounted for 71.7% of all property crimes in 2017. Burglary accounted for 18.2%, and motor vehicle theft for 10%).
Victims of burglary offenses suffered an estimated $3.4 billion in property losses in 2017. The average dollar loss per burglary offense was $2,416.
Did You Know?
There are roughly 2.5 million burglaries a year, 66% of those being home break ins. Police solve only 13% or reported burglary cases due to lack of a witness or physical evidence.
How Do Burglars Break In?
- 67.2% Residence (dwelling
- 32.8% Nonresidence (store, office, etc.)
- 57.5% burglaries involved forcible entry
- 36.2% were unlawful entries
- 6.3% were forcible entry
The Average Burglar Profile
- Most burglars are male and are under 25 years of age (usually mid to late teens)
- Usually called as thugs looking for an easy score
- Were previously involved in robbery, assault or drug-related offenses
Common Tools Use
- Screwdrivers
- Channel-lock Pliers
- Smal Pry Bars
- Hammers
Common Burglary Targets
- Homes that do not have a home security/alarm system
- Homes with unlocked doors, windows and garage
- Homes with family members on vacation
- Homes with spare key outside home
Top Target Items
- Cash
- Firearms
- Jewelry
- Tools
- Computers, i Pads and Smartphones
- Household Goods
- Electronics
- Liquor
- Prescription Drugs
- Your Identity
When and Where They Break In?
Most burglaries occur between 10 am and 3 pm, since that’s a prime time frame where many homes are not occupied. The average time a burglar spends in a home is 8-12 minutes.
Home burglaries account for 70% of these crimes and typically spike during the summer months. (July and August have the highest number of home burglaries).
Burglars use the following entry points to break in:
- Front Door – 34%
- Garage – 9%
- Ground Window – 23%
- Back Door – 22%
- Storage Areas – 6%
- Basement – 4%
- Second Floor – 2%
Victimization data shows burglaries happen 27.6% of the time with victim present and 72.4% of the time with victim not present.
Top Ways To Avoid Burglary
- Install home security cameras
- Close your window blinds
- Install motion-activated floodlights
- Secure your valuables
- Get a big, barking guard dog
- Use indoor lights with random timers
- Trim back bushes and shrubs
- Make friends with your neighbors
- Remember to lock everything
- Keep social media profile private