What do Burglars look for in a House?

burglar uk

We are all aware, unfortunately so, that today we need to be very careful on what we leave on show that could tempt a burglar / thief. Home security has certainly improved over the years including methods of combating crime and deterring those tempted to break in and enter. Especially with the invention of the internet and WIFI appliances, we have never had such a selection of products that help to keep our homes safe.

“When a burglar enters a victim’s home, they typically cause £1,413 worth of damage & steal £2,856 of goods” source nimblefins

What does a burglar look out for when they are scouting for property to target? Very rarely will one pick on a property randomly, most times they will have picked out a property and most probably driven / walked past it many times to confirm their choice. Let us look at key points which could attract the attention of a burglar:

Post / Mail / Parcels: It’s a well known one yet many leave this calling sign for Mr (or Mrs) burglar. If you have a property that it is easy to spot a mountain of post stacking up or that parcels are left on the steps then you are saying “no one is at home“!

Open Windows & Doors: Take care not to leave windows, especially ground floor, open at night and close doors even if it is a baking hot night! If you can, make sure all are locked.

The lights are off and no one is at home: Use timers if you can so that lights and other appliances can turn on and off as if you were at home, do not leave your property for days with all switched off.

“Interesting Fact: Surprisingly, of the 2017 residential burglaries, 476,123 happened during the day while only 286,338 occurred at night.”

Social Media Updates: It’s great to share holiday photos with friends and family and especially via social media, though do remember that if you are telling everyone that you are away from home then you are open to be a target! Also, take care when sharing photos at home, try to hide any valuables such as art work, electronics, jewellery (including watches).

No Outside Lights: Try and have an outside light and especially those motion detector lights as this will put off someone from entering your property and being easily spotted.

Ring Door Bells: These are becoming more and more popular and by simply having one of these will put of a burglar in that not only the home owner will be alerted if anyone suspicious approaches their property more importantly they also have this footage recorded. By having no security cameras then it makes it easier for a burglar to approach your property and investigate further.

Image credit: Pixabay

Christopher Walkey

Founder of Estate Agent Networking. Internationally invited speaker on how to build online target audiences using Social Media. Writes about UK property prices, housing, politics and affordable homes.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Breaking Property News – 28/03/24

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   tlyfe the tenant App gets huge marketing boost from national team tour from the Openbrix team As many will know tlyfe, powered by OpenBrix, is the UK’s most innovative tenant lifecycle app, taking the stress out of the move in process and helping to…
Read More
Breaking News

Over Four Out Of Five Tenants Unaware Of The Renters Reform Bill

OVER four out of five tenants remain unaware of the Renters (Reform) Bill and its contents, according to new research. The data comes from a representative survey of over 2,000 private renters conducted by the TDS Charitable Foundation, which works to advance education about housing rights and obligations in the private rented sector. The Bill…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

What is Property Damage in a Personal Injury Case?

Property damage refers to any damage that affects things instead of a person. This might include damage to your car, house, etc. As such, it is not regarded as a personal injury case. However, when an individual is injured when the accident occurs, the affected person can file a personal injury claim. A typical example…
Read More
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Rightmove comment on new 99% first-time buyer mortgage product

Matt Smith, Rightmove’s mortgage expert said: “It’s encouraging to see lenders continuing to try to innovate in the mortgage market, even after the government abandoned its own plans to encourage lower deposit mortgages in the Spring Budget. This new product has the potential to help some first-time buyers who fit the affordability criteria, but are struggling…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News – 27/03/24

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Coadjute ahead of the game as they are already licensed to provide digital TA6 Forms to property stakeholders This week, the Law Society announced its TA6 Form will now include Material Information as per the the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News – 26/03/24

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Sharing Success: The Guild Conference and Awards celebrate Member achievements The QEII Centre in Westminster, London, was abuzz with excitement on Friday, 22 March 2024, as The Guild of Property Professionals hosted its highly anticipated annual Guild Conference and Awards. Under the theme ‘Sharing…
Read More