Burglary Advice

Resident Burglary Prevention Briefing

Burglars are often opportunistic—they look for the easiest target rather than planning complex break‑ins. Most burglaries can be prevented with simple, smart actions that make your home less appealing to thieves. Below is an overview of how burglars typically operate and what you can do to protect your property.

How Burglars Choose a Home

1. Visible Valuables

Burglars are attracted to homes where they believe valuable items are kept.

2. Unsecured Entry Points

Most burglars prefer the easiest access possible. They will look for:

Once inside these outbuildings, burglars may find tools that help them break into your main property.

3. Predictable Routines

Offenders often notice when homes are regularly unoccupied, such as:

They may strike when they believe no one is likely to return quickly.

4. Desire to Avoid Being Seen

Burglars do not want attention. If they think neighbours or passersby might notice them, they are far more likely to move on. Good lighting, natural surveillance, and visible security measures all make your home less attractive.

5. Vehicles and Keys

Sometimes a vehicle, bicycle, or motorcycle on display is the motivation for the burglary itself. Burglars know the keys are often just inside the front door or within easy reach once they’re inside.

6. Returning to the Area

After committing a burglary, some offenders revisit the area looking for other homes they noticed previously. This is why ongoing vigilance is important even if a burglary has occurred nearby.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Home