What 500 Burglars Reveal About the Homes They Choose
A news team surveyed 500 convicted burglars in New York and New Jersey, asking them how they chose their targets and what made certain homes more vulnerable than others. The results offer an eye-opening look into what makes a house easy—or hard—to break into.
Key Findings from the Survey
- 42% said they entered through an unlocked window
- 39% entered through an unlocked door
- 72% preferred single-family homes over apartments
- 35% believed they could finish before police arrived
- 21% said they could disarm alarm systems
- 18% said they could enter without setting off alarms
- 29% knocked first to check if anyone was home
- 37% said outdoor security cameras would deter them
- Over half said alarm systems weren’t much of a problem
- Dogs weren’t seen as effective—some brought treats or peanut butter
- Many disguised themselves as delivery workers, landscapers, or cable repairmen to approach the property
Technology Isn’t Always Enough
What this survey reveals is simple but powerful: burglars assess homes quickly—based on how they look and feel. And in many cases, overconfidence in tech-based solutions becomes a vulnerability.
Homeowners often believe:
- “I have cameras, so I’m protected.”
- “There’s an alarm, so no one would try.”
- “I always lock the door, so I’m safe.”
But if 35% of burglars say they can finish before police arrive, and 21% can disarm an alarm, then technology alone won’t stop a determined intruder.
So, Is Your Security Really Complete?
Have you considered how your home appears through a burglar’s eyes? Does the design and daily condition of your property truly deter intrusion—or does it silently invite it?
In an age of overconfidence in devices and apps, are you truly protected?
The greatest weakness in your home security might not be what’s missing — but what you think is already enough.