When Do Most Burglaries Occur?
Understanding Home Invasion vs. Burglary
While all home invasions fall under the category of burglary, not all burglaries are home invasions. Burglary is legally defined as the unlawful entry into a structure with the intent to commit a crime. Home invasion, on the other hand, requires forcible entry, which can involve either physical force or threats of force.
Timing of Burglaries
Contrary to popular belief, most burglaries occur during daylight hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This is because – once again, contrary to popular belief – the average criminal is not stupid. A thinking home invader often spends a day or two surveilling a location to determine if it is worth targeting. By observing the victim's routine, such as when they leave for work, when they return, and looking or listening for signs of life within the home, the burglar can ascertain when the home is likely to be unoccupied. The primary goal is to enter and exit the home with as many valuables as possible in the shortest amount of time, all while avoiding a confrontation with the homeowner.
Burglary Statistics
According to the most recent FBI data, there were 673,261 reported burglaries in the United States in 2022, an increase from 545,621 in 2020. Of these burglaries, the majority (448,153) were home invasions, with the remainder involving commercial buildings, rental storage facilities, or specialty stores. The FBI reports that a burglary occurs every 30 seconds in the United States, indicating a significant risk of becoming a victim.
The total value of stolen items in 2022 amounted to $463,576,405,747. Interestingly, states like New York and California are near the bottom of the list for burglaries per capita. Instead, rural states such as New Mexico, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas have the highest rates. In New Mexico, burglaries accounted for 23% of the state's property crimes, compared to the national average of 16%.
Preventive Measures
To protect your home from burglaries, it's crucial to secure entry points. Ensure all doors and windows are locked. If you feel this isn't sufficient, consider installing window bars or door bars for doors that are less frequently used such as the back door, and invest in a robust lock for your front door. A door handle lock with a thumbprint pad, which opens only with your unique fingerprint, is my personal recommendation.
Pay special attention to door frames. Criminals can use credit cards or similar objects to disengage a door's bolt. To counter this, invest in deadbolts with anti-shim pins or an extended strike plate to make it more difficult for burglars to break in.
A comprehensive security system with cameras is essential, especially one that allows remote monitoring via your phone. If you live with others, such as family members, establish a safety drill to ensure everyone knows how to get to safety and defend themselves if necessary. Firearms should be either locked away in a safe or within immediate reach of trusted individuals, but not stored at main entrances where a burglar could easily access them.
For home defense, semi-automatic firearms and pump-action shotguns are generally sufficient. It's advisable to equip these weapons with reflex sights, which enable both-eyes-open shooting and help maintain situational awareness. Reflex sights are easier to use than iron sights due to their single focal plane, allowing for a quicker response time once the shooter is adequately trained.
By understanding the differences between burglary and home invasion, recognizing the timing and patterns of burglaries, and implementing robust preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Stay vigilant, secure your home, and be prepared to protect yourself and your loved ones.