Techniques Criminals Use to Break Into Homes

There are many reasons why home security has been an essential part of owning a  home for many years. 

As technology continues to advance so do the techniques of home intruders, but burglars still go back to basics when they want to invade a home. 

In this article you will learn why having the best security features are needed in order to protect your home. 

According to the FBI, a home burglary occurs every 13 seconds in the U.S. There are common points of entry that are more vulnerable to burglary, theft, and break-in. 34% of burglars enter through the front door. 23% of burglars gain entrance through a first-floor window.

security doors

Here are some common techniques of intruders:

  • Forcing entry on front doors

    • Using tools like crowbars or screwdrivers to pry open doors, especially around the frame or lock area

    • Kicking in doors or using other items to damage doors with force

  • Breaking windows

    • Smashing windows with objects to gain entry, often targeting first-floor windows that are easier to reach

  • Exploiting sliding/ back doors

    • Breaking a sliding door for entry

    • Throwing item into doors to break in

Other ways that intruders prepare: 

  • Unfamiliar Solicitors

    • Individuals who appear unfamiliar or out of place when going door-to-door. If they cannot provide clear identification or a legitimate reason for their presence, it's important to be cautious.

  •  Look for Opportunities and Signs that You’re Not Home

    • Burglars want to make their task as easy as possible, so given the choice will always target an unoccupied house first. Some signs they look for are a full mailbox or an unkept yard, your car’s not in the driveway and they know your routine, they’ll surmise that you’re out at work or away for the day. At times, they’ll pose as a maintenance worker, or carry a clipboard and ring the doorbell to see if anyone answers.

  • They Use Scouting and Targeting Tactics

    • Burglars scout out your home in advance. They may watch your place for days to learn your patterns and habits. They may have even targeted you based on those things. Try to vary your routine and install timers on your lights if you frequently get home late, so it appears the house is occupied.

They Look and Play the Part

  • A uniform is often the perfect cover burglars use to enter homes unnoticed. When you see a person walking up to doors in a UPS outfit, you don’t think much of it. You automatically assume that person is just a friendly mail delivery person. Burglars often dress up as mail delivery drivers break into homes, and take valuables out of homes in boxes that look like mail packages. Any neighbor seeing a delivery person carrying a box won’t think anything suspicious is happening, so they don’t take note of the driver’s appearance. Be sure to be aware of those walking around your neighborhood and if they are in fact who they appear to be.

  • Use Technology Against You

    • Burglars and criminals know how to make technology work against you. The smarter technology gets, the more sophisticated burglars and thieves become. Hackers can also get into any WiFi-connected cameras, audio systems, and more. Homeowners make the mistake of leaving the default password on their safety devices, which is like handing over the keys to your home to a thief.

As you can see, doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars.  Therefore, the most effective tool against these tactics is by securing a home with quality security doors and window security screens . This is what to look for to purchase the best screens to protect your home:

security screen door

  • Physical barrier:

    • The mesh of a security screen creates a visible barrier that deters intruders from attempting to enter through windows or doors. 

  • Noise deterrent:

    • Attempting to break through a security screen often generates significant noise, alerting homeowners or neighbors

  • Reinforcement for windows and doors:

    • When installed correctly, security screens can add extra strength to windows and doors, making them harder to pry open or break

  • Quality matters:

    • Choose security screens made with durable materials and proper mesh size for optimal protection.

  • Proper installation:

    • Ensure the screens are securely attached to the frame to prevent easy removal.

  • Combined security measures:

    • Security screens are most effective when used in conjunction with other security measures like strong locks, motion sensor lights, and security cameras.

It is important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, and to pay attention to any clues of someone to invade your home.  At Boss Security Screens we offer all the top qualities expected of Security Screens that sets apart from others in the market.  

James Kerrsecurity door, security doors, security screen doors, window security screens, las vegas, phoenix, tucson, albuquerque, los angeles, san jose