Burglary Statistics 2023 (Infographic) – How Safe Is Your Home?

There is nothing better than coming home after a hard day’s work. And there is nothing worse than finding it ransacked with all your valuables stolen. Burglary statistics show that this is quite common.

Luckily, there is a way to protect yourself and your home. It involves a bit of reading and research and buying the proper equipment. Luckily, we can help you with both.

So, if you are looking for the best information on burglaries and how to protect your property, you came to the right place.

Happy reading.

General Home Invasion Statistics

1. In 2020, there were around 1.04 million reported burglary cases in the US.

(Statista)

Even though that sounds a lot (only because it is), the number is actually dropping. Namely, in 1990 there were 3.07 million reported burglaries in the US. The drop can be attributed to the modern safety device most homes now have. They are not impregnable, but it takes learning, and not many thieves are willing to invest in “self-improvement.“

2. Home invasion stats state that a home burglary occurs every 30 seconds.

(Statista)

Namely, every minute there are two home robberies occurring. Maybe now it’s time to upgrade your security with some of the best security cameras and alarm systems to catch the perpetrators or deter them from breaking in.

3. Only 39% of stolen household goods get recovered.

(Statista)

Police reports show that they don’t often find stolen items. Motor vehicles and household items both have relatively high recovery rates. On the other hand, firearms have only a 10% recovery rate, followed by livestock and office equipment (above 5%). Burglary analysis shows that jewelry and currency have the lowest recovery rates (as expected), only between 2% and 3%.

4. Home invasion statistics by state show that, with 648.8 burglaries per 100,000 residents, New Mexico has the highest rate in the US.

(Statista)

On the opposite side is New Hampshire, with only 103.3 burglaries per 100,000 residents. To put things in perspective, the national average rate is 314.2.

5. Burglars are most likely to be males under the age of 25, but this number seems to be rising.

(Daily Mail)

Burglary statistics show that the majority of burglars are going to be young males. However, even though they are still the most prevalent age group among burglars, they are slowly being pushed out by those between the ages of 36 and 50. Female burglar cases are still uncommon.

Former burglars say that house burglary became an old-school form of crime that less and less young criminals are interested in. Young male criminals are presumed to have shifted their focus to internet frauds and drug-related crimes, as they carry much less risk. 

6. FBI home invasion statistics say an average break-in lasts between 8 and 10 minutes.

(FBI)

It takes less than 10 minutes for an average burglar to go through their victim’s home and find what they’re after. Yes, they work really fast. You can find the information about what they most commonly take below.

7. The average burglary loss is valued at $2,661.

(FBI)

According to the FBI burglary statistics, home break-in costs homeowners $2,661. Keep in mind that this is the value of just the stolen items, not accounting for any damaged property, which can also easily go into the thousands of dollars.

8. 28% of burglaries occur with someone still in the house.

(FBI)

Almost a third of all burglaries happen while someone is in the house. It can be quite dangerous to catch the thieves off guard when they think there’s no one in the place they’re breaking into. A simple break-in can easily turn into a violent home invasion.

9. According to stealing statistics, cash is the most commonly stolen item (followed by electronics, gold, guns, jewelry, and medications).

(Reolink)

During the time they’re in, burglars search for anything that can easily be sold or traded. Their primary goal is cash, but they’ll be more than glad to take your electronics (laptops, smartphones, etc.), jewelry (watches, earrings, necklaces), firearms, power tools. In addition, car break-in statistics show that they won’t hesitate to take your car if they find it in the driveway.

House burglary statistics show that any documents found can also be a great asset to them, as they can steal the owner’s identity and open credit cards in their name. 

To ensure your valuable items are safe, invest in a high-quality handgun safe that also has the capacity to store documents, jewelry, and other valuables. Burglary cases often involve stolen meds, as there are plenty of addicts in the business.

10. Over 25% of those who interrupt burglars become victims of violent crimes.

(FBI)

Out of one million cases of household members being present during a burglary, 266,560 ended up becoming a number in violent crime statistics. In 15% of the cases, the crime was classified as simple assault. Home burglary statistics show that robbery accounted for 7% of cases, while rape accounted for 3%. Serious injuries occurred in 9% of the cases, while minor injuries were sustained in 36% of the cases.

11. 12% of burglars carry a firearm.

(Stateoftheusa)

Armed home invasion is relatively rare. When just 12% of them carry a firearm, it’s clear that most don’t have any intention to run into anyone, let alone hurt them.

12. One of the most interesting facts about burglary—-51% of burglarized homes are targeted again within 6 weeks.

(Reolink)

Burglary reports show that, once they hit a good spot, burglars will likely return within six weeks. Available data shows this is the case in more than half of all burglaries. The waiting period is six weeks because that’s how long it typically takes insurance companies to pay out or replace the stolen items. So, if you’ve been robbed, the likelihood of home invasion happening again is high.

13. The United States burglary statistics show that just 13.6% of burglaries result in arrests.

(FBI)

Burglary is not a crime that’s easily punishable, and perhaps that’s the reason behind its rise in recent years. Roughly every seventh burglar is arrested and then actually brought to justice. The sentences for burglary can range anywhere between 1 and 20 years, depending on the circumstances.

Burglary Statistics – How Do Burglars Choose Their Targets

14. 47% of burglaries are not planned.

(Safestyle)

Convicted burglars say that house burglary was not planned in almost 50% of cases. Unsecured homes, which burglars spot while casing a neighborhood, are more likely to be targeted.

15. 65% of burglars know their victims. 

(Alarms.org)

Statistics show that 65% of burglars are someone that the victim knows. It is devastating to find out that someone you know and trust might use the information about you, your home, and your schedule to earn a quick buck this way.

16. Break-in statistics show that suburban homes have a 50% higher chance of being burglarized.

(Consumeradvocate)

Data shows that burglars prefer suburban homes, mostly due to lower traffic in suburban areas, which lowers their chances of getting caught. In addition, suburban single-family homes are easily accessed from all sides, providing multiple entry points for the burglars. Easy access and exit is number one on their preference list.

17. Robbery statistics show that 85% of such crimes are committed by amateurs.

(Alarms.org)

The numbers show that the majority of burglaries are committed by amateurs, often out of desperation. Most burglars are addicts or in desperate need of money, making them extremely dangerous.

18. Renters are 50% more likely to be burglarized.

(Gothambrokerage)

According to the New York Times, renters are 50% more likely to be burglarized than those who own a home. Even though this burglary crime data takes Manhattan as its source, where not many people are fortunate to own a home, it still shows how much renters’ insurance can be valuable.

US Burglary Statistics – When Do Burglaries Occur?

19. 65% of burglaries occur during the day. 

(Consumeradvocate)

Even though we tend to imagine burglars as some covert operatives that work under the veil of night, burglary reports show that most burglaries occur in daylight. 65% of burglars choose to strike during the day, as this lowers the chances of getting caught by someone in the house.

20. Most burglaries occur between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

(JSU.edu)

The chances of a home invasion are the highest in the middle of the day. Most people run errands or work during this time, and the same goes for burglars.

21. Holiday burglary statistics say that July and August are the months when most burglaries occur.

(Protect America)

Even though there are some reckless and crazy ones, burglars generally aren’t interested in harming anyone, and they want to avoid running into occupants by all means. This is the reason for July and August being the most popular times for them to perform a burglary on your house.

22. The odds of home invasion are the lowest during wintertime – February is when the least burglaries occur.

(ADT)

The US home invasion statistics provided by the Bureau of Justice show that household burglary numbers are 11% lower during the winter. February is an especially slow month for burglars, as their activity drastically lowers during this period.

There aren’t many people walking around, so the suspicious ones are easy to spot. Another major reason behind this phenomenon is the fact that snow drastically increases their chances of getting caught, according to home security statistics.

23. Burglars avoid houses with security systems and/or dogs.

(Ktvb)

Gathering the data by sending letters to 86 inmates currently in jail for burglary, KGW News found that most agree that seeing signs of a security system or a dog on the premises would prevent burglars from breaking into the house. You can find more data on home security further down the list.

Home Robbery Statistics—How Do Most Burglars Break In?

24. 4% of burglars will enter through an unlocked door.

(NACHI)

When it comes to entry methods, statistics show that every 25th burglar simply walks into the house they’re targeting through an unlocked door. Some neighborhoods offer a strong sense of security, and people living there just don’t lock their doors, which can prove to be a fatal mistake.

No matter how safe your area is, locking your door is the least you can do to keep your family and your home safe.

25. According to home burglary statistics, 2% of burglars try to enter through the second floor.

(NACHI)

Around 2% of burglars are prone to exhibition and climbing, as they take the harder route and choose the second floor as their point of entry. Once again, we get a false sense of security and don’t bother with securing the upper levels of our houses, but there are people out there willing to exploit this weakness.

26. 81% of burglars gain entry through the first floor, robbery crime statistics say.

(NACHI)

Most burglars take the easier way and break in through the first floor. 81% of them won’t climb up to check for an unlocked window upstairs, and they would rather take their chances with the ground floor when breaking and entering.

27. 9% of burglars break in through the basement when performing home robberies.

(NACHI)

And finally, some burglars will try their luck underground and enter the premises through the basement. This part of the house is usually easily accessible through windows that aren’t too difficult to break and climb through.

28. One of the most worrying home burglary facts is that 34% of burglars enter through the front door.

(NACHI)

Compared to other access points, burglars will most often pick the front door as their point of entry. Preventing burglaries is not a common priority, so most homes lack even the most basic security measures, making breaking in through the front door too easy.

29. 22% go in through the back door.

(NACHI)

Home invasion statistics say that 22% of burglars try to remain a bit more stealthy and avoid the attention that knocking down someone’s front door can bring. So, they choose the back door as their point of entry. Nowadays, many houses have smart doorbells set at the front as a burglar deterrent and in order to prevent package theft and such, so the back of the house can be a better option.

30. 9% of burglars will break in through the garage.

(NACHI)

9% of burglars’ preferred method of forced entry is through the garage, as shown by property crime statistics. Typically, garage doors aren’t secured, making it easy for experienced burglars to get in.

31. 23% of burglars enter through a window.

(NACHI)

Nearly a fourth of all burglars will try to break in through a window. Windows are commonly left unlocked, or even open, making them an easy entry point. Even locked windows can be easily broken if there’s no alarm system in place.

Burglary Statistics—Do Home Security System Help?

32. Around 21 million American homes are covered by professional security systems.

(SLH Systems), (Statista)

There are around 142 million housing units in the US. Just 15% of homeowners in the US have invested in this aspect of home protection, leaving burglars a pretty wide range of unprotected homes to target.

33. 27% of home security system owners arm their systems only when they go to bed.

(Reolink)

More than a quarter of all home security system owners only activate their systems when they are on their way to bed. As we mentioned at the beginning, burglary statistics say that most burglaries occur during the day. Make sure your security system is armed at all times, even when you’re home chilling in your living room.

34. 95% of homeowners with a security system are satisfied with it.

(Reolink)

The vast majority of homeowners that have a security system in place are fully satisfied with its function. 95% of them find that it does its job as intended: discouraging burglars to break in and alarming the authorities in the rare cases they manage to get into the house.

35. One of the most worrying house burglary facts is that 54% of those who have a security system are not sure how to operate it.

(Reolink)

There’s a big issue with those who own a home security system. According to statistics, 54% of them are not certain how to operate the system, leaving their home vulnerable, despite investing possibly thousands of dollars into its protection. This doesn’t help reducing the number of home invasions in the US.

Make sure that you get detailed information from the installer or manufacturer if you’re installing the security system on your own. House alarm systems shouldn’t be rocket science.

Home Break-in Statistics – Conclusion

With hundreds of home burglaries occurring every minute, one can’t help but feel helpless. However, using the information available, we can all work on preventing crime from happening. The robbers will only be successful if we allow them to be. And that’s all there is to it. One of the easiest ways to reduce the number of home invasions per year is to simply lock our doors.

Hopefully, this extensive list of home security and burglary facts is enough to get you thinking about your own home’s safety. Its main purpose is not to frighten you into securing your home, but to show that, with just a little effort, you can make your house and your entire neighborhood a more safe and pleasant place to live in.

People Also Ask