Burglary is typically defined as “unlawful entry into a structure with the intent to commit a crime inside”. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, there are approximately 2.5 million burglaries annually in the U.S.

Police solve only 9% of report burglary cases (PEW Research Center). The clearance rate for burglary is lower than for any other serious criminal offense.

The Bureau of Justice reported the following statistics regarding residential burglaries:

• 34% of residential burglaries occur at the front door.
• 17% of people do not lock their front door while at home.
• 22% of residential burglaries occur at the back door.
• 23% of residential burglaries occur at first-floor windows.
• 9% of residential burglaries occur through the home’s garage.

Most residential burglaries in the U.S. - about 60% of reported offenses – occur in the daytime when homes are less occupied.

In the U.S., home burglary rates are the highest in August and the lowest in February.  Residents with vacation homes may be the exception.

In a recent survey of incarcerated convicted burglars at the state prisons, approximately 60% indicated the presence of a burglar alarm would cause them to seek an alternative target.

Homes that appear occupied, with lights on, a vehicle in the driveway, visible activity, or audible noises from within, are less likely to be burglarized.

A dog’s presence is a substitute for human occupancy and most burglars avoid houses with dogs.  On average, burglarized houses are less likely to have dogs than are non-burglarized houses, suggesting that dog ownership is a substantial deterrent.

Burglars prefer homes with trees and dense landscaping near doors and windows. Entrances obscured by natural vegetation are the entry point in the majority of burglaries of single-family homes.

Homes isolated from view, set back from the road, or set on large lots are more vulnerable to burglary. Seclusion reduces the chance that neighbors or passers-by will see or hear a burglar.

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