Property crimes are the most reported type of crime experienced in neighborhoods around the world. No wonder, then, that burglaries are widely feared.
Most burglaries happen at times of the day when the house is empty, while home invasions occur when people are likely to be home.
In this article, we’ll explain when most break-ins happen and the strategy behind it, as well as how to protect a property from common break-in strategies.
Table of Contents
When Do Most Break-Ins Happen?
Most break-ins happen between 10am and 3pm. Burglars assume the house is unoccupied at these times and will attempt a break-in. To confirm no one is home, burglars might knock on the door.
Properties are more vulnerable to break-ins if they are obviously vacant, unkept, or lack proper home security measures (like cameras).
How AlfredCamera prevents break-ins for free
Installing home security cameras on a property is the best way to prevent break-ins.
Studies found that 83% of burglars look for a security camera before breaking in. A further 60% wouldn’t target the property if they spot a security system.
AlfredCamera transforms your mobile devices into security cameras for free. Simply download AlfredCamera to your phone as well as a spare phone or tablet, and it’ll convert the device into a fully functioning security camera.
Once set up, users benefit from superior two-way talk, robust motion detection, and even a low-light mode to improve visibility.
One AlfredCamera user says:
“I live [in] a rural area and there are no street lights at all. There have been several break-ins in the area lately. I use my Alfred camera to see who is approaching my house at night. And I put up a sign warning people that they are on camera”.
Upgrade to Premium for additional features, like AI-based person detection, and experience even more advanced home monitoring.
What Month Has the Most Break-Ins?
Summertime is when burglaries are the most prevalent, with studies suggesting that July and August are the most popular months for break-ins.
This is likely because home security measures are at their weakest in summer. People leave ground-floor windows open, which accounts for 23% of break-ins.
Front doors are also more likely to be left unlocked in summer due to people coming and going more frequently. Research shows that 34% of burglars enter through an unlocked front door.
Homes are left vacant during the summer months as people go on vacation, making them an easier target.
Recommended reading: How To Leave A House When Going On Vacation
Installing temporary home security cameras and leaving lights on timers are important burglar deterrents when on vacation.
Install instant home security cameras with AlfredCamera
Because most properties get burgled again just weeks after the first break-in, homeowners must secure their burgled property as quickly as possible.
AlfredCamera is the fastest way to protect a vulnerable property.
Simply download the AlfredCamera app to your phone as well as an old phone or tablet, and position the device where you need it (ideally in a hallway, garage, or over vulnerable entry points).
Using your current phone, check the live feed at any time to find out what’s going on in your home, or leave motion detection to do the work. Alfred notifies you as soon as it spots movement, allowing you to act fast and activate the loud built in siren.
Get started now with instant home security for free.
Do Burglaries Happen At Night?
It’s more likely for burglaries to happen during the day, but they still happen at night.
Most burglaries are opportunist, which is why they take place during the day when homes are more likely to be vacant.
Break-ins that occur during the night tend to be premeditated. Night-time robbers watch and target a house specifically before breaking in.
If there’s no light source at night, your security camera must have night vision to illuminate the area. The AlfredCam security camera line designed to use alongside the AlfredCamera app features super reliable infrared night vision, so you can monitor the home clearly even in the dark.
A burglar is more likely to target a property at night if it’s in a remote area, vacant, or is home to a vulnerable person.
What time of night do burglaries happen?
If a break-in is going to take place at night, it’s likely to be at or before midnight.
Car theft, on the other hand, is more likely to happen at night than during the day. Between 2am and 5am are the most popular times for cars to be stolen. Cars parked on the street vs a garage are most vulnerable to being stolen.
When Do Most Home Invasions Occur?
A home invasion tends to be more severe and traumatizing than a burglary. Most home invasions take place when someone is home.
In a burglary, criminals stay less than 10 minutes. A home invasion lasts much longer.
Once inside, criminals may blackmail family members into granting access to a safe, sending large sums of money, or giving codes/passwords to important accounts. Assault is also very likely to occur during a home invasion.
What are the Odds of Being Burgled?
Unfortunately, the odds of being burgled in the US are high.
Research shows that 75% of all homes will experience a burglary over a 20-year period, even in affluent and low-crime areas.
To minimize the risk of being burgled, homeowners can:
- Install home security cameras
- Keep up with home maintenance
- Fit floodlights on motion sensors
- Repair faults that make a property vulnerable quickly
- Avoid advertising when a property is vacant (e.g., posting on social media during vacations)
- Close and lock windows when not in the room
- Lock doors, including interior garage doors that connect to the house
- Secure garage doors
- Join a neighborhood watch scheme
Conclusion
Properties are vulnerable to break-ins when homeowners are away. Typically, this means during office hours and school finishing times.
Summer is a prime time for burglaries to occur as people leave doors and windows open and/or unlocked. Plus, summer is vacation season, leaving plenty of properties vacant and vulnerable.
Protecting a property by installing additional security measures (like wireless cameras) is the best way to prevent break-ins.
Recommended reading:
Burglary vs Robbery: What’s the Difference?
Should I Move After a Burglary?
What are the Most Common Entry Points For Burglars?
How Does Burglary Affect the Victim?
How to Stop Worrying About Being Robbed or Burgled in 8 Steps
Renovation Burglaries: 8 Ways To Prevent Burglars During Renovation