We usually make sure all our windows, doors, and gates are locked whenever we plan to leave home. Apart from that, we generally don’t pay much attention to securing our houses when we’re around, thinking burglars won’t break in when we’re not home for a couple of hours. Think again!
Burglars are most likely to break in around 10 AM and 3 PM during workdays. Most people leave their homes empty during this time because of various obligations. Additionally, people don’t often properly secure their homes during this time, which makes them perfect targets for burglars.
In this article, I’ll discuss why burglars prefer to break into other people’s homes during the early afternoon, and I’ll also discuss the most common seasons and days that burglars break into other people’s homes. Then, I’ll discuss what sorts of homes burglars are more likely to target.
Why Burglars Break In During Daytime
Even if you lock all your doors and windows and turn your security system on at night, you’re still prone to burglary.
Burglars don’t often plan to break in at night. Sure, some fifty years ago, that’s how burglaries were done in most cases. However, these days, it’s much safer for burglars to break in during the day.
You might be asking yourself how that’s possible. But if you are the kind of person I described above, here’s your answer: there are fewer security risks for burglars during the day.
Most people have jobs and other personal obligations, and kids have school to attend. That’s why burglars’ favorite time to break in is generally from 10 AM to around 3 or 4 PM when most people are not at home.
If you want to learn more about burglaries and how to handle them, you might want to read my other article about what to do if a burglar breaks into your home while you’re there.
Seasons and Days When Burglars Often Break In
Apart from burglars preferring to break into other people’s homes at a particular time, they’re also picky regarding seasons and days.
It turns out summer months are busy for burglars.
Burglars will most likely break in during the summer months because:
- Most people aren’t home for long periods.
- Many people spend more time outside.
- Burglars are less likely to leave traces (like a footprint in the snow during winter).
- It’s easier for burglars to get around and hide when it’s not cold outside.
What about the days of the week? Well, since most people don’t generally leave their homes for work or school during weekends, burglaries aren’t that prominent on Saturdays and Sundays.
Also, many places, such as grocery stores, the post office, or workplaces, close over the weekend, and most people stay indoors, at home.
So, burglars frequently choose to break into other people’s homes on weekdays, when most people are at work or school.
Some work days are also more convenient than others for a break-in.
In that sense, Fridays are personal favorites for many burglars simply because after five days of working, most people leave their homes as soon as possible to go to some restaurant or nightclub after work or school.
This gives burglars ample time to take whatever they need from your home.
Which Homes Do Burglars Target During the Day?
Not all homes are the same for burglars.
You might think burglars are stupid drug addicts who need money (and you’d partially be right), but many burglars spend time calculating and choosing their targets.
They’re people just like us, and they don’t want to be caught. Otherwise, they’d have to fork over the treasure and spend time in jail.
So, Robbers usually target these types of homes to break into during the day:
- Single-family homes: These types of homes are usually surrounded by a yard. Thus, neighbors may not spot burglars that easily, as would be the case with apartments or duplexes.
- Houses with packages outside: When you have boxes (or even trash bags) in front of your home, this is a strong indication to burglars that no one’s around to move these things to a more secure place.
- Houses close to burglars: In most cases, burglars break into the homes of people they live close to. They do this because they walk past your house frequently and have a general idea about all the weak spots in that home. Plus, proximity makes for a quick and easy escape.
- Homes that look neglected: When you don’t take care of your lawn, plants, porch, or window frames, that’s a clear sign for burglars that the house is empty most of the time, even though people might be living in it.
How To Protect Your Home From Daytime Burglary
Many people often say that burglaries will happen regardless of how well you secure your home. The truth is that you can actually reduce the likelihood of your beautiful home getting broken into using a few methods.
Sure, some of them are quite expensive, but others don’t require any additional cost. I will include all of them here:
- Install a security system: Whether it’s CCTV, an alarm system like ADT or SimpliSafe, security lights, laser sensors, or a mix of these, a security system is the most reliable burglary deterrent. It’ll probably cost you “a pretty penny,” but it’s worth it.
- Keep your TV on: When you leave your home for work, one of the simplest things you can do is leave your TV on and increase the volume slightly. This will trick burglars into thinking that you’re home. You can do the same with a radio or music.
- Lock everything: Many people don’t have a habit of locking their windows, doors, and gates before they go out. They assume nothing bad will happen in the few hours while they’re gone, but that’s far from the truth.
- Keep your second car outside: If you have two vehicles but use only one while the second one collects dust in the garage, bring it out and leave it on your driveway. Burglars might suspect you’re not home, but they’ll avoid the risk.
- Take care of your mail: Whenever you have mail in your mailbox, take it out and bring it inside your home. One of the first signs you’re away is a full mailbox.
Conclusion
If you have a job and need to leave the house every workday, secure your home. Additionally, leave your TV on because burglars are most likely to break in between 10 AM and 3 PM when most people are out at work or school. Take extra precautions on Fridays or during the summertime, when burglaries are most frequent.
