Living in a safe and secure environment is a top priority for all homeowners. But sometimes, no matter how secure we make our homes, there are always new trends that burglars utilize. We take a look at 21 modern trends in burglaries and how to protect yourself and your home.
Tech-Savvy Thieves
Burglars are increasingly using technology to their advantage. From monitoring your social media to using Bluetooth scanners to see what tech items you have in your home, thieves are finding new ways to keep an eye on your home. There are also readily available resources and tutorials that can teach criminals how to bypass even the most complicated locks.
Targeting Deliveries
According to Capital One, the average American home received 162 packages in 2022. With an increase in people shopping online, doorstep theft has increased. Opportunist thieves are stealing packages left at doorsteps, with some going as far as tracking delivery notifications.
Smash-and-Grab
Unlocked windows provide burglars with a clear view of their valuables, so leaving laptops or electronics in plain sight can invite a quick grab-and-go crime. According to ADT, 25% of burglaries in the U.S. last year took place during the day, which means most will have had a clear view into your home.
Social Media Bragging
Thieves know people love to post their vacation pictures directly from the beach. Uploading images from your vacation in real-time announces your empty home to the world, so be patient and wait until you’re back to share your adventures. Alternatively, you can alter your social media to “friends only” so that only trusted people can see you are away from home.
Targeting Rental Properties
Some burglars target renters because they might have the funds to install security systems to deter them. Renters may also be naive in thinking burglars will not target them because they don’t have many belongings, but this is not always the case.
Exploiting Distractions
Burglars are opportunists and will exploit events like natural disasters or planned power outages that distract homeowners. For example, when residents flee an area because of wildfires, thieves dash in to get what they can.
Targeting Medication
With the average cost of prescription drugs rising by over 35% in 2023, according to Reuters, thieves are targeting medication. Prescription drugs and pain relievers sold on the black market by thieves targeting vulnerable people coming out of drugstores and medical centers.
Elderly Vulnerability
Another vulnerable population being targeted by thieves is elderly people. Criminals are exploiting the trust of seniors to gain entry to their homes and trick them into revealing valuables.
Drone Delivery Theft
Done deliveries are becoming more common, and there’s a growing concern about criminals intercepting them mid-flight. Thieves are also using drones to check activity in certain neighborhoods to assess whether any homes are empty.
Virtual Kidnapping Scams
Thieves have been known to use social media to target people while they’re away with a fake kidnapping scam. These people create a fake kidnapping situation and demand ransom for the safe return of their pet.
“Bump Keys”
Criminals increasingly use lock bumping, where a specially modified key can easily open many common locks. To safeguard your home, consider installing high-security locks that resist bumping and security systems that detect forced entry attempts.
Intercepting Smart Devices
While smart home gadgets, such as thermostats and lights, offer convenience and enhanced security, they’re also vulnerable to hackers. Thieves may use the information from your smart devices to see that you’re away from home and take the opportunity to take action. To mitigate these risks, use strong passwords for your network and update them regularly.
Dark Web Marketplaces
Thieves are turning to the dark web to avoid being detected when selling stolen goods. Some marketplaces sell high-value electronics and personal information for high prices.
Garage Door Entry Point
While homeowners do their best to secure their front doors, they often fail to lock their garage doors. Thieves are increasingly using garages to access homes where owners have been complacent about locking them up when they leave for work.
Quick Jobs
Thieves know that homeowners are increasing their home security, and neighborhood watches are popular. This means that quick “in and out” jobs are increasingly commissioned, with thieves quickly accessing anything they can lay their hands on in a few minutes. Putting expensive items out of sight can deter opportunist thieves from entering your home.
Increasing Violence
While the total number of burglaries across the U.S. has decreased, according to Pew Research, they are becoming more violent. This could be because thieves are more desperate and would threaten homeowners rather than run away if they discover someone is home.
Mail Theft
In addition to package theft, thieves intercept mail by breaking into mailboxes and looking for anything that has personal information in it. Intercepted mail is used to hack into banks and financial accounts or sell to people who sell personal information for identity theft.
Targeting of Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks
Unsecured Wi-Fi networks, like those named after a street address, attract burglars who cruise neighborhoods looking for a home to target. They can easily identify houses with unsecured networks, potentially indicating a lack of security awareness.
Impersonation
Burglars frequently pose as service workers to gain access to homes, but they have become more sophisticated and will research job details online to make themselves seem more convincing. If you’re not expecting a service call, never let anyone gain entry to your home without calling the company to check if the call is genuine.
Hacking Doorbell Cameras
Homeowners are looking for doorbell cameras to deter thieves but can be complacent in thinking they’re doing their jobs. But, tech-savvy thieves use signal jammers to temporarily block the camera’s Wi-Fi signal, preventing it from sending alerts or recording footage during the break-in.
Targeting Rural Areas
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