Crafty Ways Burglars Can Access Your Home

Burglary is among the most prominent crimes in the US, with 1.1 million cases reported in 2019. As more homeowners take measures to prevent burglary, burglars have gotten more creative and are going beyond using unlocked front doors. Learn seven unusual tactics burglars use to get into your home so you can keep your home and belongings safe.

Pet Entrances

As absurd as it may sound, some burglars can get into your home through the door entrances reserved for your furry friends. Some burglars can slither into the kitty and doggie doors effortlessly, enter your home, and steal your valuables. Therefore, apart from securing doors, pet owners should also secure pet doors.

Back Doors

Many homeowners invest in state-of-the-art security for their front doors but forget an equally important aspect in preventing burglary - back doors. Unfortunately, burglars know that rear doors can be a weak security point and often rush to it if the front door is impassable.

With a good kick, they can gain access to your home as well as valuables. Therefore, ensure that your back doors are as strong and secure as your front doors. Do not forget to also secure front and back windows too.

Broken Fences

Broken fences allow access to valuables in the backyard, such as sporting equipment, pool supplies, bicycles, patio furniture, and barbecues and also communicate two crucial pieces of information.

First, they may show that a house is uninhabited and thus an excellent target for a break-in. Second, they might indicate that a home is neglected, and the neglect can go to the home's security, such as the doors and windows potentially being unlocked. Repairing broken fences is not just an aesthetics issue - it also enhances your home's security significantly.

Disguises

A burglar can come into a home disguised as a salesperson, delivery person, neighbor, college student, or pet sitter looking for a lost dog. They want to determine whether it is a good target, establish your routine, and identify your security level. For instance, a burglar can walk a dog in the neighborhood as they plan a burglary without looking suspicious.

Disguise also works well when burglars want to know if someone is home. For instance, they can disguise themselves as delivery drivers, knock on the front door, and wait for a response. Watch out for any suspicious person walking around your home, and do not open doors to unknown persons without confirming their identity.

Garage Doors

Accessing homes through garage doors is rampant, especially if the door leading to the house is unlocked, with a large percentage of burglars employing this tactic. Some homeowners do not close their garage doors fully - perhaps to ventilate the garage or give pets an avenue to get back into the house.

Unfortunately, this acts as a weak security point in the garage and home. A burglar may steal any valuables in the garage, such as machinery, car supplies, tools, outdoor toys, clothes, bedding, and books.

Tools

While breaking into a home means using force, burglars increasingly avoid any forceful tactics that attract suspicion. Instead, they bring tools such as screwdrivers and credit cards to open locks and screws. Also, they may use ladders, bins, and stools to access higher windows and climb over fences. 

Modern-day burglars are more sophisticated and creative, and a simple door and lock will not help. You need the added protection of a security system and surveillance, including CCTV, adequate lighting, and alarm systems.



Get in touch with Coastal Burglar Alarm for all your home security needs in the Charleston area. You can count on us to make your home more secure, smart, and safe.