{"id":6931,"date":"2025-10-27T09:54:41","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T01:54:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/?p=6931"},"modified":"2025-11-11T12:43:32","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T04:43:32","slug":"what-do-burglars-not-steal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/what-do-burglars-not-steal\/","title":{"rendered":"What Do Burglars NOT Steal? Here\u2019s 8 Safe Items Ignored by Burglars"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ever wondered what&#8217;s actually safe during a home break-in? While most homeowners focus on protecting their valuables, understanding what burglars <em>don&#8217;t<\/em> steal can be just as valuable for your home security strategy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s a surprising fact: the average burglary lasts just 10 minutes. In that short window, criminals are highly selective about what they take. They&#8217;re not loading up moving trucks or carefully dismantling your home theater system, they&#8217;re grabbing quick, high-value items and getting out fast. Getting <a href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/best-home-safe\/\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-6-color\">a safe protects valuables<\/mark><\/a> and potentially deters burglars, because if they&nbsp; can\u2019t immediately find what they\u2019re looking for, they\u2019re more likely to leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>This guide reveals the 8 categories of items burglars consistently ignore,<\/strong> what they actually target, plus tips on how to protect a property against break-ins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_26 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><label for=\"item\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/what-do-burglars-not-steal\/#Understanding_the_Burglars_Mindset_Speed_Over_Everything\" title=\"Understanding the Burglar&#8217;s Mindset: Speed Over Everything\">Understanding the Burglar&#8217;s Mindset: Speed Over Everything<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/what-do-burglars-not-steal\/#8_Items_Burglars_Wont_Steal_And_Why\" title=\"8 Items Burglars Won&#8217;t Steal (And Why)\">8 Items Burglars Won&#8217;t Steal (And Why)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/what-do-burglars-not-steal\/#What_Burglars_Actually_DO_Steal\" title=\"What Burglars Actually DO Steal\">What Burglars Actually DO Steal<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/what-do-burglars-not-steal\/#What_to_Keep_in_a_Home_Safe\" title=\"What to Keep in a Home Safe\">What to Keep in a Home Safe<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/what-do-burglars-not-steal\/#FAQ\" title=\"FAQ\">FAQ<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/what-do-burglars-not-steal\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_the_Burglars_Mindset_Speed_Over_Everything\"><\/span><strong>Understanding the Burglar&#8217;s Mindset: Speed Over Everything<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Burglars know exactly what items to look and steal for when breaking and entering. Once inside, the most common areas are targeted to find these items quickly and quietly. Their primary goal isn&#8217;t to empty your entire house, it&#8217;s to grab valuable, portable items and escape undetected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most burglars operate alone and carry everything in a backpack or small bag. This limitation shapes every decision they make once inside your home. If an item is too heavy, too bulky, too risky, or offers poor resale value, it simply isn&#8217;t worth their time. When deciding what to keep in a home safe and which areas of the property to protect, it\u2019s equally important to know what burglars don\u2019t steal as knowing what they look out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Items_Burglars_Wont_Steal_And_Why\"><\/span><strong>8 Items Burglars Won&#8217;t Steal (And Why)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-64ad37374ad895dc788a039160dc8888 wp-block-paragraph\">A burglar\u2019s goal is to get in and out of a property undetected, which means as fast as possible. Most US burglaries <a href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/burglary-statistics\/\">only last 10 minutes<\/a>. Therefore, <strong>burglars are<\/strong> <strong>unlikely to steal any large or fitted appliances<\/strong>. Weapons and perishable items (like food and alcohol) are also unlikely to be stolen during a standard home invasion. <strong>The following items tend to be safe during a break-in <\/strong>of an occupied residential home:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Large Electronics and Entertainment Systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While burglars love electronics, they draw the line at oversized items. That 75-inch TV mounted on your wall? Your elaborate home cinema setup with multiple components? Generally safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why they skip them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"line-height:1.3\">Too conspicuous to carry without attracting attention <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"line-height:1.3\">Require two people to move safely <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"line-height:1.3\">Difficult to fence quickly <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"line-height:1.3\">High risk of damage during transport<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Fitted and Built-In Electronics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Burglars prefer a fast break-in. Therefore, <strong>fitted electronics and appliances are generally not&nbsp;stolen<\/strong>. Removing them from the walls also creates too much noise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"line-height:1.3\">Surround sound systems wired through walls <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"line-height:1.3\">Built-in speakers and audio equipment <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"line-height:1.3\">Smart home control panels <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"line-height:1.3\">Hardwired security systems <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"line-height:1.3\">Ceiling-mounted projectors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Major Household Appliances<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any household appliance, including <strong>washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers, is not a target during a break-in<\/strong>. These items are heavy and have little resale value. The only time these items might be stolen is if the property is vacant and looted. The metal from the appliances will be sold by criminals for scrap money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-link-color wp-elements-4be1ed8128147e02df4ffe986d8d5dfa wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#faeee3\"><strong>Is your property about to be vacant?<\/strong> Whether a home is empty for years or just a month, vacant properties are at increased risk of break ins, looting, and sustaining criminal damage.<br><br>Find out exactly <a href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/how-to-prepare-a-house-to-be-vacant\/\">what security measures<\/a> to protect a vacant property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Firearms and Weapons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This one surprises many homeowners. Despite their value, guns are rarely stolen during typical home burglaries. <strong>Sentences are usually more severe when burglars steal guns from a property<\/strong> as well as residential items. Because of this, few criminals steal guns from homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-92cda5275b3ae1b100d66509aa937875 wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7769769\/#:~:text=Results%3A%20A%20total%20of%20198,in%2032%20cases%20(17%25).\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research<\/a> also shows that 17% of US burglars already carry a weapon of some sort during a home invasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-link-color wp-elements-cf25bd0e8fcbed0aaecb72a536c6b9bd wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#faeee3\"><strong>Prevent break-ins with<\/strong> <strong>AlfredCamera<\/strong><br>Home invasions are common in the US. The best deterrent against break-ins is <a href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/security-cameras\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">home security cameras<\/a>. When surveyed, ex-criminals said they would be less likely to target a property with cameras installed.<br><br>AlfredCamera <a href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/turn-old-phones-into-security-cameras\/\">transforms your mobile devices into security cameras<\/a> for free. Simply <a href=\"https:\/\/alfredcamera.app\/store\/blog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">download AlfredCamera<\/a> to your phone (Android &amp; iOS) and a spare phone or tablet, and it\u2019ll convert the device into a fully functioning security camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-buttons uagb-buttons__outer-wrap uagb-btn__default-btn uagb-btn-tablet__default-btn uagb-btn-mobile__default-btn uagb-block-d2711ed3\"><div class=\"uagb-buttons__wrap uagb-buttons-layout-wrap \">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-buttons-child uagb-buttons__outer-wrap uagb-block-1f43c404 wp-block-button\"><div class=\"uagb-button__wrapper\"><a class=\"uagb-buttons-repeater wp-block-button__link\" aria-label=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/link.alfredcamera.app\/burglarsblog\" rel=\"follow noopener\" target=\"_self\" role=\"button\"><div class=\"uagb-button__link\">dOWNLOAD ALFRED CAMERA<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"601\" src=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/break-in-footage-captured-by-alfredcamera.png\" alt=\"break-in footage captured by AlfredCamera\" class=\"wp-image-5111\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/break-in-footage-captured-by-alfredcamera.png 800w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/break-in-footage-captured-by-alfredcamera-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/break-in-footage-captured-by-alfredcamera-768x577.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A break-in footage captured by the AlfredCamera app.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Musical Instruments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Few burglars need to steal musical instruments. They are <strong>bulky, heavy, and hard to carry solo<\/strong>. Unless antique, they don\u2019t have a particularly high resale value compared to other items found in the home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Higher-risk instruments:<\/strong> Small, valuable items like professional-grade violins, vintage guitars, or brass instruments may be taken if they&#8217;re visible and accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Food, Alcohol, and Perishables<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Your kitchen is one of the safest rooms in your house during a burglary<\/strong>. Criminals targeting residential properties have zero interest in your groceries or liquor cabinet. Burglars are more likely to target liquor stores, bars, caf\u00e9s, and supermarkets than a residential property if they want to steal food or drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Low-Value Household Items<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Burglars prefer to steal items that offer the highest return. Therefore, things that are or look expensive are a primary target. Few criminals would steal anything in a residential home that isn\u2019t of high value. Your everyday appliances and household goods simply don&#8217;t make the cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, <strong>kettles, microwaves, air fryers, and coffee machines<\/strong>. Some burglars will steal these items, but they aren\u2019t as valuable as laptops, phones, or Bluetooth speakers.They&#8217;re optimizing for value per pound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Furniture and Large Household Goods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flatpacks aside, household furniture is often expensive. Particularly when it\u2019s made from real, solid wood and other high quality materials, its resale value is high. But most furniture is not easily stolen and taking these items is loud and requires a large van to transport. Most burglars are not so well-prepared, preferring to slip items like cash, purses, keys, and jewelry into a rucksack instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Burglars_Actually_DO_Steal\"><\/span><strong>What Burglars Actually DO Steal<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because criminals want a quick, undetected break-in, burglars are more likely to steal small, valuable items. Understanding what thieves avoid is only half the equation. Ideally, these items are small enough to fit inside a bag or coat pocket without drawing attention when they leave. <strong>Here&#8217;s what burglars actively seek when they enter your home:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Electronics:<\/strong> Laptops, tablets, smartphones, cameras, and smaller TVs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cash:<\/strong> The most valuable item to a burglar\u2014no paper trail, immediate use<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Jewelry and watches:<\/strong> Small, valuable, easily portable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keys:<\/strong> Car keys and house keys (which enable further crimes)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Designer items:<\/strong> Handbags, shoes, and clothing with recognizable brands<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wallets and purses:<\/strong> Cash, credit cards, and identity documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medications:<\/strong> Prescription drugs, especially controlled substances<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Important documents:<\/strong> Passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-link-color wp-elements-a3c516e7ade2f171459f8ebfcf0aaa14 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#faeee3\"><strong>Get 24\/7 night vision surveillance with AlfredCam<\/strong><br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/when-do-most-breakins-happen\/\">Burglars strike any time<\/a>, including the evening. Protect your property at night with <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.alfred.camera\/products\/alfredcam-plus-outdoor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AlfredCam Plus<\/a> night vision cameras. Get <strong>access to clear images of what\u2019s happening inside and outside of your property.<\/strong> When motion is detected at any hour of the night, users receive an immediate alert to a connected smartphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"295\" height=\"640\" data-id=\"6382\" src=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_livefeed_livingroom_2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_livefeed_livingroom_2.png 295w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_livefeed_livingroom_2-138x300.png 138w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 295px) 100vw, 295px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"295\" height=\"640\" data-id=\"6376\" src=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_livefeed_backyard_standard.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_livefeed_backyard_standard.png 295w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_livefeed_backyard_standard-138x300.png 138w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 295px) 100vw, 295px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"473\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"6394\" src=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_2-473x1024.png\" alt=\"AlfredCam Plus captured footage (a hand holding a smartphone) via night vision.\" class=\"wp-image-6394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_2-473x1024.png 473w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_2-139x300.png 139w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_2-768x1662.png 768w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_2-710x1536.png 710w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_2.png 828w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"473\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"6393\" src=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_1-473x1024.png\" alt=\"AlfredCam Plus captured footage (a man's hand) via night vision.\" class=\"wp-image-6393\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_1-473x1024.png 473w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_1-139x300.png 139w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_1-768x1662.png 768w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_1-710x1536.png 710w, https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AlfredCam_Plus_night_vision_1.png 828w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Keep_in_a_Home_Safe\"><\/span><strong>What to Keep in a Home Safe<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While many items are naturally safe from burglars due to size or weight, your most valuable possessions deserve extra protection. <strong>Safes are best used to store emergency cash, guns, and valuables<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valuables kept inside a safe also include passports, ID cards, spare car keys, expensive jewelry, birth certificates, title deeds, wills, healthcare documents, and memory cards. Guns and other weapons should also be kept in a home safe. This prevents children from finding the guns by accident or intruders from using them during a home invasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-42b2a69f834af313088950419af5b500 wp-block-paragraph\">Some homeowners choose to keep family heirlooms and sentimental items in a home safe. While these aren\u2019t usually expensive, they hold priceless personal value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Look for models that are both fireproof and waterproof to protect against disasters<\/strong> beyond burglary. <a href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/best-home-safe\/\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-6-color\">Learn more about selecting the best home safe<\/mark><\/a> for your specific needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span><strong>FAQ<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\"><strong>What attracts burglars to a home?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Burglars target properties with a lack of security and easy access points. Or homes that are obviously vacant. <strong>Open windows, no visible cameras, overgrown shrubbery, no lighting, no cars on the driveway, and overflowing mailboxes<\/strong> attract burglars the most. Houses are more of a target than apartments due to the accessible entry points, likefront doors, back doors, and ground floor windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\"><strong>What really deters burglars?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Criminals don\u2019t want to be caught in the act when attempting a home invasion, so <strong>the best deterrent is a visible home security camera.<\/strong> Similarly, other reliable burglar deterrents include <strong>alarms and motion-detection flood lights<\/strong>. These alert homeowners to the presence of an intruder and scare them off from progressing any further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other ways to deter burglars from breaking in include installing physical barricades. For example, <strong>high fencing, anti-climb paint, spiked boundaries, and thorny plants<\/strong>. When installed on the property boundaries, these physically prevent burglars from jumping over gates or fences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Where do burglars look first in a home?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bedrooms, living areas, hallways, and home offices<\/strong> are the most visited rooms during a home break-in. Living areas and home offices often contain tablets, laptops, TVs, and other electronics for intruders to steal. Burglars look in bedroom wardrobes and dressing tables to find expensive clothing or jewelry. Kids&#8217; bedrooms are also a target due to the toys and gadgets that may lie inside. Burglars also look for keys, wallets, and handbags in hallways, kitchens, or lounges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Do curtains and blinds deter burglars?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Burglars target properties they know contain valuables. This knowledge usually comes from <strong>peering into windows to look for valuables<\/strong> before choosing to enter. They also do this to check if anyone is home.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Closing blinds and curtains at night prevents burglars from being able to see what\u2019s inside the property. <\/strong>However, keeping curtains drawn during the daytime isn\u2019t pleasant. Plus, it makes the property look vacant, which is also risky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Privacy curtains are best installed if the property is vacant during the day. Having privacy curtains allows light into the property without making it easy for criminals to see what\u2019s inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most household items are safe during a break-in. <strong>Burglars tend to target small items that hold high value.<\/strong> Unless the house is unprotected and presumed empty, intruders won\u2019t generally go rooting around for too long inside the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, they steal valuables that are easy to spot and grab. That\u2019s why phones, purses, handbags, wallets, cash, and car keys shouldn\u2019t be left close to the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a property is vacant, all items are up for grabs. Criminals can easily bring large vans and other equipment when they know no one is home or monitoring the property with home security cameras.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ever wondered what&#8217;s actually safe during a home break-in? While most homeowners focus on protecting their valuables, understanding what burglars don&#8217;t steal can be just as valuable for your home security strategy. Here&#8217;s a surprising fact: the average burglary lasts just 10 minutes. In that short window, criminals are highly selective about what they take. &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/what-do-burglars-not-steal\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">What Do Burglars NOT Steal? Here\u2019s 8 Safe Items Ignored by Burglars<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7256,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6931","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-safety"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>8 Valuable Items Burglars Surprisingly Leave Behind (And Why)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When deciding what to keep in a safe and which areas to protect, you need to know what burglars don\u2019t steal and what they look out for.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/what-do-burglars-not-steal\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"8 Valuable Items Burglars Surprisingly Leave Behind (And Why)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"When deciding what to keep in a safe and which areas to protect, you need to know what burglars don\u2019t steal and what they look out for.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/what-do-burglars-not-steal\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"AlfredCamera Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MeetAlfred\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MeetAlfred\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-10-27T01:54:41+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-11-11T04:43:32+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/peter-mason-cTm7AAHAFqg-unsplash-scaled-e1761622990133.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1327\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"AlfredCamera\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@AlfredCamera\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"AlfredCamera\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"AlfredCamera Blog\",\"description\":\"Home Security Made Simple | Best Tips &amp; 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The company is determined to create an easy-to-use product that combines exceptional performance with stability.","sameAs":["https:\/\/alfred.camera\/","https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MeetAlfred\/","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/alfredcamera_\/","https:\/\/twitter.com\/AlfredCamera","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/AlfredKala"],"url":"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/author\/illena\/"}]}},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/peter-mason-cTm7AAHAFqg-unsplash-scaled-e1761622990133.jpg",1900,1327,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/peter-mason-cTm7AAHAFqg-unsplash-scaled-e1761622990133-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/peter-mason-cTm7AAHAFqg-unsplash-scaled-e1761622990133-300x210.jpg",300,210,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/peter-mason-cTm7AAHAFqg-unsplash-scaled-e1761622990133-768x536.jpg",768,536,true],"large":["https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/peter-mason-cTm7AAHAFqg-unsplash-scaled-e1761622990133-1024x715.jpg",1024,715,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/peter-mason-cTm7AAHAFqg-unsplash-scaled-e1761622990133-1536x1073.jpg",1536,1073,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/peter-mason-cTm7AAHAFqg-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"AlfredCamera","author_link":"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/author\/illena\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Ever wondered what&#8217;s actually safe during a home break-in? While most homeowners focus on protecting their valuables, understanding what burglars don&#8217;t steal can be just as valuable for your home security strategy. Here&#8217;s a surprising fact: the average burglary lasts just 10 minutes. In that short window, criminals are highly selective about what they take.&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6931","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6931"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6931\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7256"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alfred.camera\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}