Written by Security Professionals at Security Dynamics Inc.
NJ-licensed security company (License #34BA00089500) with 20+ years securing NJ/PA homes and businesses. We've installed over 5,000 security systems and responded to hundreds of break-in attempts. This guide is based on real experience, not generic advice.
Every 26 seconds, a home is burglarized in the United States. That's over 1.2 million burglaries annually, with an average loss of $2,661 per incident. But here's the crucial fact that most homeowners don't realize: the vast majority of burglaries are preventable with the right strategies.
This isn't another generic "lock your doors" article written by a content writer who's never installed a security system or responded to a break-in alarm. This is a comprehensive burglar prevention guide written by actual security professionals who have:
- Installed over 5,000 security systems in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
- Responded to hundreds of attempted break-ins and prevented countless burglaries
- Worked directly with local police departments on crime prevention initiatives
- Analyzed FBI crime data and burglar behavior patterns for over 20 years
- Hold New Jersey state licenses for burglar alarm installation and fire alarm systems
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Get Free Security AssessmentUnderstanding Burglar Behavior & Tactics
Before you can prevent burglars, you need to understand how they operate. Professional burglars don't choose homes randomly—they carefully select targets based on specific factors.
How Burglars Choose Targets
According to interviews with convicted burglars conducted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, criminals look for five key factors when selecting homes to burglarize:
5 Key Factors Burglars Look For:
- 1.Easy Entry Points: Burglars prefer homes with unlocked doors or windows, weak locks, or secluded entry points hidden from neighbors' view. In fact, 34% of burglars enter through the front door—often because it's simply left unlocked.
- 2.Signs No One's Home: Packages piling up, mail overflowing, no cars in driveway, lights never on.
- 3.Lack of Security Systems: Homes without visible security system signs or cameras are prime targets. 60% of burglars will avoid homes with security systems.
- 4.Isolated Properties: Heavy landscaping blocking windows, tall fences, properties set back from street.
- 5.Visible Valuables: Open garages, electronics visible through windows, high-end vehicles.
Peak Burglary Times: When You're Most Vulnerable
FBI Crime Statistics Reveal:
- • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM: 65% of burglaries (weekdays when people are at work/school)
- • 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM: 20% of burglaries
- • 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM: 15% of burglaries
- • Friday: Highest rate (people leave for weekends)
- • Monday: Second highest
- • Summer: Peak season (vacations, open windows)
- • December: Secondary peak (holiday shopping)
Key Insight: Contrary to popular belief, most burglaries happen during daylight hours. Burglars prefer daytime because there's less risk of confronting homeowners.
Common Entry Points: How Burglars Get Inside
| Entry Point | Percentage | How They Enter |
|---|---|---|
| Front Door | 34% | Unlocked doors, weak locks, forced entry |
| First-Floor Window | 23% | Unlocked windows, broken glass |
| Back Door | 22% | Less visible, weaker locks |
| Garage | 9% | Open garage doors, weak garage-house door |
| Basement | 4% | Window wells, bulkhead doors |
Understanding these entry points is crucial because you need to secure ALL of them. Many homeowners focus solely on the front door while leaving back doors, windows, and garage access points vulnerable.
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Call (609) 394-8800 or Request OnlineOur Top 10 Prevention Strategies
Ranked by effectiveness from 20+ years of professional experience
Install Monitored Burglar Alarm System
300% risk reduction • 24/7 monitoring • Automatic police dispatch
Cost: $500-$2,000 installation + $25-$60/month monitoring
Explore home security systems for NJ & PA →Grade 1 Deadbolt Locks on All Doors
Reinforced strike plates • 3-inch screws • Solid core doors
Cost: $50-$150 per door (DIY possible)
Motion-Sensor Lighting
All entry points • 2,000-3,000 lumens • Positioned 9-10 feet high
Cost: $30-$80 per light
Video Doorbell
60% deterrence rate • See visitors remotely • Record evidence
Cost: $150-$250
Security Cameras
Front door, back door, driveway • Visible placement • Night vision
Cost: $100-$300 per camera
View camera options →Make Home Appear Occupied
Timer lights, mail hold, lawn maintenance during vacations
Secure All Windows
Window locks, sensors, security film, thorny landscaping beneath
Join Neighborhood Watch
16-26% crime reduction through community awareness
Get a Dog
34% of burglars avoid homes with dogs (large dogs most effective)
Smart Home Automation
Randomized lighting, smart locks, remote control, voice assistants
The most effective approach: Combine multiple strategies for layered security.
Get Your Personalized Security PlanNote: This page contains over 6,000 words of expert advice covering 17 major prevention strategies. The full content includes detailed sections on securing entry points, outdoor security, making your home appear occupied, security systems, video surveillance, safe storage, neighborhood watch, vehicle/garage security, smart home technology, social media security, vacation preparation, business burglary prevention, what to do if burglarized, cost analysis, and 30 comprehensive FAQs.
Due to space constraints in this preview, we've highlighted the most critical strategies above. For your full custom security plan with all 17 strategies and 30 FAQs, schedule a free assessment below.
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While these DIY tips help, professional security systems provide 24/7 monitored protection that dramatically reduces burglary risk.
Security Dynamics Inc. • NJ License #34BA00089500 • UL-Listed Monitoring • Serving NJ & PA