What Officers See — and What You Can Do About It
Burglars, like most criminals, are largely opportunistic. They look for easy targets — homes where entry is simple, detection is unlikely, and escape is fast. Police departments across the country share remarkably consistent advice about reducing that opportunity, and most of it costs very little to implement.
Here's a breakdown of home security measures that law enforcement consistently endorses.
1. Make Your Home Look Occupied
Vacant-looking homes are magnets for break-ins. Simple steps that create the appearance of occupancy include:
- Using timers on interior lights when you're away
- Pausing mail and package delivery during extended absences
- Asking a neighbor to park in your driveway occasionally
- Avoiding social media announcements of vacations until after you return
2. Reinforce Entry Points
The majority of home break-ins involve a door — often one that was easier to force open than it should have been. Effective reinforcements include:
- Deadbolt locks: Standard spring-latch locks are easy to defeat; a quality deadbolt adds significant resistance.
- Strike plate upgrades: Replace short screws in door strike plates with 3-inch screws that anchor into the stud, not just the door frame.
- Door reinforcement kits: Metal plates that prevent kick-in attacks around the lock and hinges.
- Sliding door bars: A simple wooden or metal bar in the track prevents sliding doors from being forced open.
- Window locks: Ground-floor windows should have secondary locks or pins beyond the factory latch.
3. Improve Exterior Lighting
Darkness is a burglar's best friend. Motion-activated lights are one of the most cost-effective deterrents available:
- Install motion lights at all entry points — front, back, and side doors
- Illuminate dark corners of the yard and garage areas
- Ensure house numbers are clearly visible to help emergency responders locate your home quickly
4. Trim Landscaping Strategically
Overgrown bushes and hedges near entry points can provide cover for someone attempting to break in. Police crime prevention officers often advise:
- Keeping shrubs near windows trimmed below window height
- Planting thorny bushes (such as roses or barberry) under ground-floor windows as a natural deterrent
- Ensuring trees don't provide easy access to upper-floor windows or rooftops
5. Consider a Security System — and Use It
Alarm systems and video doorbells have become increasingly affordable. Their value lies both in actual detection and in deterrence — visible cameras and alarm company signage signal that a home is a harder target. Key considerations:
- Place cameras to cover entry points and the driveway/street
- Ensure footage is stored in the cloud, not just locally (where a thief could take the recorder)
- Activate your alarm system consistently — many break-ins occur at homes where the alarm was installed but not armed
6. Know Your Neighbors
Law enforcement regularly credits neighborhood watch programs and general community awareness as highly effective crime prevention tools. Neighbors who know each other recognize when something is out of place and are far more likely to report suspicious activity. Introducing yourself and sharing contact information with nearby neighbors is a low-cost, high-impact safety measure.
Quick Reference Checklist
| Action | Cost | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Install deadbolt locks | Low | Easy |
| Upgrade strike plate screws | Minimal | Very Easy |
| Add motion-activated lights | Low–Medium | Easy |
| Trim window-level shrubbery | Free | Easy |
| Install video doorbell/cameras | Medium | Easy |
| Use light timers when away | Minimal | Very Easy |
Most home break-ins are preventable with relatively simple measures. The goal isn't to build a fortress — it's to be a harder target than the next house.