14 Subtle Signs Your Home Is Vulnerable to Break-Ins

All of us deserve to have a safe and secure home, creating a sanctuary for us, but many small things we don’t think about can make our home an easy target for intruders. The tricky part? These are often subtle things, invisible to the untrained eye until they’re not. Opportunistic burglars will look for homes that make their job easier. That is why, by identifying weak spots now, you can protect your home and peace of mind.

Many homeowners unintentionally send out open invitations to trouble by neglecting their landscape or underestimating the power of good lighting. Here’s how you can tell when your home is low-hanging fruit for a break-in. If these red flags are recognizable to you, it’s time to step up your security game.

Your Front Door Is Wearing or Weak

The front door is the first line of defense. Burglars may see it as an easy access point if it’s looking shabby, damaged, or has an old lock. Over 30% of burglars walk right through an unlocked or poorly secured front door, according to statistics. If you have a hollow-core door or an old lock, replace it with a solid wood or metal door with a deadbolt.

No Outdoor Lighting at Night

A burglar’s best friend is darkness. If your home is poorly lit at night, it makes it much easier for someone to lurk in the shadows without being detected. Simple porch lights or motion sensor lights will deter unwanted visitors. Burglars don’t want a spotlight; they want an easy in and out.

Overgrown Bushes and Trees

Those pretty shrubs under your windows could be doing more than just giving your house curb appeal. Burglars have the perfect hiding space as they try to break in behind overgrown bushes and trees. Trim back vegetation in places like around windows and doors so that they no longer have cover.

Packages or Newspapers Left Unattended

That stack of newspapers on your porch or those packages left out for days screams, nobody’s home. It’s an open invitation for burglars. If you’re traveling, have a neighbor or friend collect your deliveries and mail. It makes the house look lived in, which is far less tempting.

The Windows Aren’t Locked or Reinforced

Another popular entry point for burglars is windows – until they’re unlocked, or feature insecure latches. Window locks or security film on your windows can make it very difficult for someone to enter your home. Noise or effort are not qualities that burglars enjoy, so the more difficult you make it for them, the faster they’ll move along.

No Security System

Without a security system, your home is low-hanging fruit. A thief will think twice even at the sight of a simple sign or sticker that declares an alarm system. A study by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte revealed that nearly 60 percent of burglars said that they avoid homes with security systems. But it’s worth it if you don’t have one.

You Leave Your Garage Door Open or Unlocked

Home security is often overlooked when it comes to garages. Even if a burglar can’t get into your home through an open or weak door, they can still nab tools or other valuables just by opening the garage door. Keep your garage door closed all the time and buy yourself a sturdy lock or smart garage door opener.

Spare Keys in Obvious Spots

You’ve probably done it — throwing a key under the doormat, flowerpot, or fake rock. But guess what? Those spots are known by burglars, too. If you have to have a spare key, leave it with a trusted neighbour, or purchase a lockbox with a combination code.

Visible Valuables by Windows

By leaving expensive items in plain sight, you’re window shopping for thieves. If your laptop, jewelry, or fancy electronics are visible from the street, you might be a target. Use blinds, curtains, or frosted film to stop prying eyes.

You Post Your Trip Online

We want to post our vacation photos live, but the fact is that if we do, we could be broadcasting our absence online to the wrong people. If you are going out of town, save those posts for when you get back. The good news is, a little patience now can save you a lot of headaches later.

You Don’t Know Your Neighbors

If you have a strong neighborhood watch, it can be one of the best crime deterrents. You lose extra sets of eyes that are watching over your property if you don’t know your neighbors. Get to know people around you — they may notice something that you don’t before you do.

You have Basic or Outdated locks

You may not have updated your locks in years, so they may be outdated or easy to pick. Smart locks or deadbolts can provide an added layer of protection by upgrading to them. Burglars usually don’t go into houses that look like they’ll be too much work.

No Security Cameras

In addition to being a deterrent, cameras also help catch intruders, and they don’t want to risk being recorded. Fake cameras are enough to make someone think twice about targeting your home.

A Back Door That’s Old or Unlocked

The backdoor is a common weak point because it often gets less attention than the front. A prime target is your back door if it’s not secure. If you can, put a deadbolt on it, or get a security bar to make it harder to force open.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.