DIY Builds
Photo by Steward Masweneng Pexels Logo Photo: Steward Masweneng

Which door do burglars use?

Front door: 34% of burglars twist the doorknob and walk right in. First-floor windows: 23% use a first-floor open window to break into your home. Back door: 22% come in through the back door. Garage doors: 9% gain entrance through the garage.

adt.com - How Do Burglars Break into Houses? - ADT
How do you secure a tarp to the roof without nails?
How do you secure a tarp to the roof without nails?

How to Tarp a Roof Without Nails. Most roofers will use screws when attaching the tarp's anchor boards to the roof. However, if you want to avoid...

Read More »
Last updated Dec 30, 2020
Can I put a caravan on my land?
Can I put a caravan on my land?

You can place the caravan on the land as long as it is incidental to the use of the land. It needs to be pointed out that it is not the actual...

Read More »
Last updated Oct 30, 2018
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »
Promotion

Before you can truly develop a comprehensive home break-in prevention strategy, you need to arm yourself with the right information. Ask yourself, “how do burglars break into a house?”

We can tell you.

What do most burglaries have in common?

Contrary to what we see on TV, most burglaries occur during the daytime, between 10 AM and 3 PM. This window presents an opportunity when kids will be at school and people are at work. The average burglar wants to break-in when no one is home. It’s also easier to avoid any curious onlookers during daytime hours when errands or jobs leave neighboring homes empty. In addition, burglars are not masterminds. We love a good action movie as much as anyone. But contrary to what Hollywood would have us believe, most burglars are not scheming elaborate plans with a team of experienced criminals. In truth, the majority of home break-ins are the result of opportunity. Most burglars don’t want to go to crazy lengths to get into your home. They target easy points of entry, where they are most likely to go unnoticed.

These are the most common points of entry for home break-ins:

Front door: 34% of burglars twist the doorknob and walk right in.

First-floor windows: 23% use a first-floor open window to break into your home.

Back door: 22% come in through the back door.

Garage doors: 9% gain entrance through the garage.

Basement: 4% choose the basement as a point of entry.

Unlocked areas, sheds, and storage: Another 6% will simply try for any opening that isn’t locked down,

Second-floor window: A daring 2% will go for the second-story window.

Safeguarding these areas of your home will significantly reduce your chances of a home break-in.

What’s in a burglar’s toolkit?

Have you ever wondered what tools of the trade look like for a burglar?

It helps to know which areas are targets, but how do burglars actually get into your home?

Unlocked doors

Okay, so an unlocked door may not be a tool in a burglar’s toolkit, but it certainly is a burglar’s best friend. Burglars frequently will try your door simply to see if they give way without additional effort. In many cases, break-ins result from forgetting to engage the deadbolt lock (A smart lock could help you combat any forgetfulness). Additionally, an unlocked door lessens the worry for the burglar. Your neighbor is unlikely to try to stop someone who waltzes right into your home like he owns the place. After all, your burglar could just be a dog sitter or someone watering your houseplants.

Disguises

This may conjure visions of Halloween or childhood dress-up, but it’s a little less playful when used by a burglar. Dressing the part makes approaching a home a little easier to explain. One burglar preferred the use of a disguise, saying “Sometimes I would wear nice clothing and print a questionnaire off the Internet and carry a clipboard and see if they could spare a moment for an anonymous survey.” Assuming the persona of a “typical” new face, such as a salesman or delivery person is also a common trick, making it easier for burglars to explain away their presence.

What do you mix with concrete ramps?
What do you mix with concrete ramps?

What concrete mix to use for your ramp. If you're ramp is quite large like this one or it's larger, you'll want to order concrete from a ready-mix...

Read More »
Last updated Dec 30, 2019
How much does it cost to build a 12x12 porch?
How much does it cost to build a 12x12 porch?

A deck will cost much less than adding a similar size room to your home. For example, the cost of a 12 x12 deck. A 12 x12 deck can range in cost...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 20, 2022
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Promotion

Pry bar

Crowbars are handy tools for a home break-in. Home invaders can easily conceal one beneath clothing and these tools can be used to quickly pry open a door or smash a window, making it a go-to for the home break-in toolkit

Ladders or discarded tools already on the property

It’s not uncommon to see construction in residential areas. From roof repair to street construction and just basic handyman services, it’s fairly typical to see new people coming and going when fixes are needed. In these cases, burglars may pick up a ladder or grab a hammer, assuming the personality of a worker on the job, then use those items for nefarious means.

Dog Treats

A survey of 86 burglars revealed that home invaders typically don’t like dogs. One way to thwart the loud barking of a pup is by having dog treats on hand. A savvy burglar may line his pockets with dog treats to quiet your pup in a pinch.

Which homes do burglars target?

There are some homes that burglars view as an easy score, while others pass by without a second glance. Knowing where you fall on that list is a helpful piece of information to have if you want to avoid a home break-in. So, which homes do burglars target? Let’s investigate. Burglars look for signs of emptiness when they are surveying homes. Often, residents leave clues that give them away. For example, burglars take note of: Trash cans left outside: This can signal an empty home on a tidy street. If you plan to travel during trash pickup, enlist a neighbor to bring yours in while you’re away. The pileup of mail: When we set out on vacation, mail can pile up quickly and burglars take note. Request a hold on your mail during travel or have a trusted neighbor gather it for you each day. Packages left unclaimed: Lonely packages left on a porch can be a red flag to any passersby that no one is home. (Beware, you could also become a victim of package theft. Avoid ordering any items until you are certain you can be home for retrieval. Untidy lawns and overgrown shrubbery: Letting your grass grow high can be an indicator that no one is home to mow. Hire a lawn company or grab a neighborhood kid to get the job done when you’re away. Broken fences and homes in disrepair: Homes that are falling into disrepair signal one of two things to a would-be burglar—either the home is uninhabited or the neglect extends to other areas of the home (i.e. rotting window casings or unsecured doorways), making them prime targets for a home break-in. Social media posts: Yes, we all love those beach selfies or panoramic mountain scenes we encounter on vacation, but the modern burglar can check social media with the best of us and they know when you aren’t home. Try waiting until you return home to share all of your snapshots.

How can you tell if someone is marking your house?
How can you tell if someone is marking your house?

Signs a Burglar is Watching Your House Strange Cars Parked in Your Neighborhood. ... Strangers Walking Down Your Street. ... People Pretending to...

Read More »
Last updated Oct 8, 2018
Does a gazebo need planning permission?
Does a gazebo need planning permission?

The good news is that in most cases, you will not need planning permission to install a wooden gazebo. For instance, if the gazebo is temporary (up...

Read More »
Last updated Feb 14, 2018
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »
Promotion

Homes without security features: Did you know that homes without a security system are three times as likely to be broken into? Many burglars will scout for alarm systems and opt out if those features are present. In addition to these red flags, some homes are at a higher risk of home break-ins than others. If your home meets any of the following criteria, burglars may be targeting you. Homes located in areas of low visibility: Whether shrouded by trees or situated in an area of low lighting, decreased visibility is enticing to burglars who want to avoid being detected during a home break-in. A report by KGW8 found that, “Burglars suggest homeowners make their property visible with good lighting and trimmed bushes and trees. You should get to know your neighbors and alert police if you see anything suspicious.” Residences near alleyways: Homes near alleyways are attractive because the narrow streets make for an easy escape. Detached houses: Homes with detached garages are also enticing. These present an opportunity for an easy score and usually come with the added bonus of a quiet alley getaway. If your home falls into any of these categories, you may want to take extra measures to avoid a home break-in.

How you can protect yourself from break-ins

As opportunists, burglars want to make a quick score during a home break-in and be gone before anyone ever knows he was there. In fact, when asked how homeowners can help prevent burglary, here is some advice offered by past offenders:

“Get a camera and make it visible!”

Get a “home alarm, know your neighbor so they can report suspicious people around the neighborhood.” Regardless of which entry a burglar chooses or which point of entry is targeted, a monitored home security system from ADT will help you keep your home safe. A comprehensive security system can help safeguard your doors, windows, and storage spaces, all while providing surveillance of your property. Combined with other prevention strategies, you can help ensure that you and your family are protected.

​

adt.com - How Do Burglars Break into Houses? - ADT
How do you put lights in a shed?
How do you put lights in a shed?

Luckily, there are some great options for lighting up your shed! You can use natural light by installing a window, skylight or sun tube to brighten...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 28, 2018
How high off the ground should an outdoor outlet be?
How high off the ground should an outdoor outlet be?

6 1/2 feet Homes must have at least one outdoor receptacle at the front and rear of the house. They must be readily accessible from the ground and...

Read More »
Last updated Feb 7, 2021
How deep does PVC conduit have to be buried?
How deep does PVC conduit have to be buried?

Underground Wiring Requirements – How Deep Do I Bury the Wire? Use direct-burial underground feeder cable at 24-inches deep (or more). You don't...

Read More »
Last updated Sep 30, 2018
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
Promotion
Does expanding foam rot wood?
Does expanding foam rot wood?

Water won't sit between the roof and the spray foam insulation because if it did, this would cause rot. It's important the spray foam insulation...

Read More »
Last updated Mar 13, 2019