As a homeowner, you always want to ensure that your property is as safe as possible. While there are many things you can do to improve your home security, it’s important to be aware of the most common home security statistics.
By understanding them, you can better protect your family and home safety. The purpose of security systems is not only to protect one’s property but they are also supposed to give peace of mind to the people living in it.
We’ve compiled some insightful stats and facts to help you understand the importance of keeping your home secure.
8 Startling Home Security Facts and Stats (Editor’s Choice)
- California was the state with the highest number of reported burglary cases in 2020.
- 67,230 burglars were between the ages of 20 and 29 in 2020.
- 85% of burglars know their victims.
- In 2020, there were 1.7 million victims of household burglary and trespassing.
- Most home burglaries happen between 10 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon.
- A burglar usually spends 8–12 minutes inside a home.
- Only 36 million US households have home security systems.
- 25% of surveyed people admit to using cameras to spy on their neighbors.
Do First Floor Apartments Get Robbed More?
It’s a sad but true fact that first-floor apartments are more likely to be burglarized than those on higher floors. They are also more commonly robbed than houses, as crime rates in apartments vs. houses facts show.
For one, burglars are looking for easy targets, and an apartment on the ground floor is much easier to break into than several stories up.
Also, first-floor apartments are usually closer to the street and more visible to potential burglars.
If you live in a first-floor apartment, you can do a few things to help protect yourself from burglary. Home safety facts suggest you ensure your doors and windows are locked at all times and consider installing additional security measures like deadbolts or an alarm system.
You should also keep valuables out of sight of windows and doors and be vigilant about reporting any suspicious activity in your neighborhood. Taking these precautions can help make your apartment a less attractive target for forced robbery.
US Burglary Statistics
1. A burglary occurred every 28.3 seconds in 2019.
(NRA)
It means two burglaries took place every minute in the US. Moreover, every 4.6 seconds, somebody in the US was a victim of a property crime. Larcenies and thefts were most common, with one happening every 6.2 seconds.
2. Out of all reported property crimes across the US, burglaries accounted for 16.1% in 2019.
(Federal Bureau of Investigation)
According to the FBI’s annual report for 2019 and its stats on home invasions per year, the number of burglaries across the country has declined by 9.5% compared to the year before.
Burglary facts reveal that the decline in burglaries is likely due to many factors, including increased security measures like alarm systems and security cameras. Additionally, many states have enacted stricter penalties for criminals convicted of burglary, which may act as a deterrent.
3. In 2020, California had the highest number of reported burglary cases.
(Statista, Statista)
California recorded 145,529 robbery cases in 2020—the highest number in the entire country that year. Then again, if we look at the burglary rates by state, New Mexico took the lead in 2020, with 648.8 cases per 100,000 residents.
4. In 2020, most burglars (67,230) were between the ages of 20 and 29.
(Crime Data)
Moreover, most of them were males and white. As for the victims, most (98,560) were between the ages of 30 and 39. Furthermore, most were white males who didn’t know the offender.
5. 85% of burglars know their victims, theft statistics point out.
(Interview Area)
This is often because they know that a victim will have valuables in their home and will be away from home for an extended period.
As such, it is vital to be extra vigilant about security if you have valuables in your home and ensure you are not an easy target.
6. Property crimes resulted in a substantial financial loss of $15.8 billion in 2019, DOJ crime stats show.
(Federal Bureau of Investigation)
The impact of a burglary isn’t only reflected in the value of the property stolen. Burglaries can also create a causal sequence leading to further financial loss.
For example, victims may have to miss work for days due to physical trauma. Others can suffer serious psychological distress. Circumstances such as these also contribute to the financial loss associated with burglary.
Home Burglary Statistics
7. On average, 101.4 people per 1,000 households were victims of property crime in 2019.
(Bureau of Justice Statistics)
This number refers to all types of property crime, including burglary, trespassing, and theft. More specifically, the rate for burglary/trespassing was 17.2 in 1,000 households, which is a drop from the year before, when it was 21.1.
8. Home safety statistics show that 43% of surveyed Americans worry about a break-in when not at home.
(Statista)
A home is supposed to be a safe haven where we can relax and let down our guard. But for many Americans, the fear of a break-in is a genuine concern. The good news is that you can take steps to help protect yourself from home robberies.
Start by ensuring all doors and windows are locked and consider investing in a security system. You can also create the illusion that someone is home even when you’re not by using timers on lights and electronics.
9. 62.8% of burglaries occurred at residences in 2019.
(Federal Bureau of Investigation)
One of the FBI burglary statistics points out that 576,607 out of 917,464 were residential robberies. This could mean that burglars find it easier to break into a home than an office or other non-residential locations.
10. The rate of home burglaries in 2019 was 0.82%.
(Bureau of Justice Statistics)
However, it is important to remember that even a small chance of being burglarized can significantly impact a victim. Any type of burglary can result in the loss of valuable possessions and a sense of violation and insecurity.
As such, it is vital to take steps to protect your home and belongings, as home security facts propose.
11. There were 1.7 million victims of home burglary and trespassing in 2020.
(Bureau of Justice Statistics)
According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, the number of burglary and trespassing victimizations declined from 2019. In other words, there were 2.2 million victimizations in 2019.
12. Only 32.5% of all household property crimes were reported to the police in 2019.
(Pew Research)
House burglary facts show people may choose not to report a crime for several reasons. In some cases, victims may feel that the police will be unable to help them recover their stolen property or catch the perpetrator.
In other cases, victims may be afraid of retaliation from the perpetrator or unwilling to go through the hassle of filing police reports.
Regardless of the reason, it is essential to remember that reporting crimes can help keep our communities safe. By bringing criminals to justice and providing authorities with information about criminal activity, we can help make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
13. Home break-in statistics note that most home burglaries occur between 10 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon.
(ADT)
However, an investigative report found that some burglars preferred the specific window of 12:30–2:30 pm because they wouldn’t be interrupted by a person coming home for lunch, and school would still be in session.
This time frame allows burglars more time to break in and ransack a home without being caught. Moreover, burglars also prefer the summer months.
14. Home invasion stats show that 34% of burglars use the front door when breaking in.
(RD)
Burglars prefer to use the front door. Typically, the best home security cameras focus on the front door area. However, experts claim that, in most cases, people simply forget to lock their front door, making it easy for burglars to enter their homes.
The same applies to back doors, which 22% of burglars use as their entry points. Robbery statistics note that another 23% use first-floor windows that are usually left open.
Learn about burglary vs. robbery here.
15. The bedroom is the first room three-quarters of burglars would target.
(RD)
This is likely because bedrooms typically contain valuable items such as jewelry, electronics, and cash. However, other rooms in the house are also popular targets for burglars.
For instance, 26% of burglars would check an office or study, while 19% would target the living room. In addition, home invasions statistics reveal that almost 16% would look in the bathroom, while 21% would check other rooms not listed.
This survey provides valuable insights into the mind of a burglar and can help homeowners take steps to protect their belongings.
16. The LAPD has identified 17 different gangs involved in the “follow home robberies” crime wave.
(NBC News)
In recent months, there has been a surge in this crime wave in the Los Angeles area, as statistics on robberies show. In these crimes, gangs of thieves follow their victims home from public places and then rob them as they go into their isolated homes.
More specifically, thieves typically target people wearing expensive watches, jewelry, or other personal items. In response to this trend, the police department has increased patrols in the areas where these robberies have been reported. Increasing your safety by carrying a stun gun might be a good idea in rough neighborhoods.
17. House burglary statistics find that a burglar usually spends between 8 and 12 minutes inside a home.
(WFMY)
When these 12 minutes are up, the burglar will usually choose to flee the scene, regardless of whether they’ve found any valuables.
Experts recommend hiding your jewelry, cash, and other prized possessions in biometric safe or difficult-to-find places to mitigate the potential financial impact of house burglary.
How Do Burglars Break In?
Most people don’t think about a burglar’s entry method. But understanding how burglars gain entry into homes can help deter them.
Burglars break into homes in three main ways: through the front door, a window, or the garage. The most common forceful entry point is through the front door, according to home invasion facts.
Also, burglars enter through an unlocked door or window, so it’s essential to ensure all doors and windows are locked even when you’re home.
Burglars gain entry through the garage as well, so it’s important to keep your garage door closed and locked at all times. By understanding how burglars gain access to homes, you can take steps to prevent them from breaking into your home.
Home Security System Statistics
18. Homes without security systems are 2.71 times more likely to be robbed.
(Fox Temple, Deep Sentinel)
Installing video cameras, alarms, and other security tools at home could be expensive, but it might be a smart investment.
Research reveals that a large majority of professional burglars, 83% of them, first check if a property they plan to break into has a security system in place. If it does, home security statistics uncover that 60% of them say they’ll give up on it and look for another target.
Numerous package theft statistics also show thieves targeting homes without any security system.
19. Only 36 million out of the 127.59 million households in the US have home security systems.
(Security)
In other words, less than 30% of households in the United States have home security systems installed. That leaves a whopping 91.59 million households without any protection against intruders.
20. Stealing statistics discover that, on average, the dollar loss per burglary in 2019 was $2,661.
(Federal Bureau of Investigation)
Burglars are typically most interested in cash, jewelry, electronic devices, and guns. For this reason, it’s handy to have a quality gun safe to protect your belongings. Many also steal motor vehicles, so you should consider acquiring a suitable and well-made car alarm.
Let’s not forget that the number of car thefts increased by 10.9% in 2020.
21. In 2019, 27% of US seniors considered home security devices essential for independent living, home security statistics show.
(Parks Associates)
A recent study found that the adoption of smart speakers and displays with voice assistants among seniors has quadrupled in recent years, with 17% of seniors reporting using these devices in 2019.
That’s why it’s advisable to go through a smart home guide before upgrading your home with all the latest tech tools.
22. 60% of surveyed US household members feel safe with professional home security systems, as per security system statistics.
(Parks Associates)
Professional home security systems are controlled by a security company whose team responds to all emergencies. On the other hand, self-monitored security systems give all the control to a homeowner.
In addition, around 55% of households using these self-monitored systems say they feel safe.
23. One in four surveyed people admit to using their cameras to spy on their neighbors, home security statistics show.
(Study Finds)
A recent survey conducted on more than 1,000 Americans who have home security cameras has revealed some interesting insights into our nosy tendencies.
Gen X homeowners are the most likely to spy on their neighbors, while 30% of younger respondents say they do the opposite—they use their cameras to avoid people who knock on their door.
What to Do in Home Invasion?
These are particularly dangerous situations because intruders may have weapons, and there is a risk they will become violent home invasions. If you find yourself in a home invasion, the best thing to do is to call the police immediately.
Do not try to confront the intruder yourself, as this could escalate the situation and put you in danger. If possible, try to find a safe hiding place, such as a locked room or closet. Once the police arrive, they will handle the situation and determine whether any charges will be filed.
In the meantime, it is vital to take steps to secure your home and make sure everyone is safe.
Conclusion
US home invasion statistics reveal that the number of cases is declining, but you still can’t be too complacent.
Regardless of your home’s size, installing security devices is recommended. Anything from using outdoor lighting with a timer to having a security sign and even owning a dog can fend off the bad guys. These are usually the most common options for home security.
These tools can be quite expensive, but it’s a one-time investment for your security. After all, paying for these devices is better than risking your family’s safety.
People Also Ask
How common are home invasions?
As per the latest official data, a house robbery occurs every 28.3 seconds. However, that depends on many factors, including where you live, the type of neighborhood you live in, and your personal level of security.
What do burglars take?
There is no one answer to this question, as criminals will take whatever they believe they can sell or trade for profit.
However, some of the most commonly stolen items from homes include electronics (laptops, tablets, phones, and similar), jewelry, cash, and firearms. Dog theft has also become common.
What are the odds of someone breaking into your house?
The chances of a home invasion depend on several factors, including where you live, how much money you have, and what kind of security measures you have in place.
If you live in a high-crime area or near a known drug house, or your home is easier to break into (no alarm system or bars on the windows), the odds of a home invasion will be higher.
Do home security systems reduce crime?
Yes, home security systems can reduce crime. This is because criminals are looking for easy targets, and a home with a security system is much less likely to be an easy target.
Security systems deter burglars by making breaking into a home more difficult and time-consuming. Some security systems even alert the authorities when someone tries to break in.
What time do most home invasions happen?
Most home invasions happen between 10 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. Studies have shown that more home invasions happen during these hours than at any other time of day.
This is because most people are at work or school during these hours, and burglars know that homes will be empty and easier to rob.
What percentage of homes have security cameras?
Recent home security statistics found that only 43% of Americans own at least one security camera. Out of that group, 55% have a camera placed inside their home.
- ADT
- Bureau of Justice Statistics
- Bureau of Justice Statistics
- Crime Data
- Deep Sentinel
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Fox Temple
- Interview Area
- NBC News
- NRA
- Parks Associates
- Parks Associates
- Pew Research
- RD
- RD
- Security
- Statista
- Statista
- Statista
- Study Finds
- WFMY
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