Who is most at risk of being burgled?

A response by Jon Caldwell, Security Consultant, at Caldwell Security.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Report, for England and Wales, regarding Domestic Burglaries, when comparing offences, between March 2010 until March 2020, and based on data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), show households in Urban areas tend to be more likely to be victims, than Rural areas.

The ONS Report also shows, where the household has a younger person responsible for the accommodation, aged between 16 and 24yrs, they tend to be more likely to be victims of domestic burglary, and single parent households, tend to be more likely burgled, than two adult households.

In my experience, as a Police Officer in Hertfordshire, those properties, which appear unoccupied, and lack any basic security measures, are likely to attract the ‘opportunist’ Burglar.  Burglars do not want to be disturbed, and would certainly not want to be confronted by the householder, more so if the occupant has martial art, or boxing skills, or is in a position to defend their home.  Burglars will therefore usually look to commit the offence during daylight hours, rather than at night, because they will attract less attention.  The Burglar will also usually knock on the door to see if anyone is at home, and if the door is answered they will give some sort of excuse for being there, and will then go away.  If someone knocks on your door, and appears suspicious, please call the Police on 101, and give them the description and direction of travel of the Suspect.  Let the Police know if you, or your Neighbours, have CCTV, which might have recorded the Suspect.

Those properties that have basic security measures installed, such as CCTV, Security Lighting, Doorbell Cameras, good Door and Window Locks, are more likely to act as a deterrent, and make the Burglar look for somewhere else to break in.  Consider installing some basic low-cost security measures.  More information is available in the Caldwell Security Blog ‘What is the basic security advice to reduce a risk of burglary’.

Vulnerable householders, such as Pensioners, or those with mental health issues, may also be more susceptible to becoming a Victim, especially of Distraction Burglary, where the Criminal gets the Occupier to give them access, by giving false information, and gaining the trust of the Victim.  Those single occupancy households are also potentially more vulnerable.  If you have vulnerable neighbours, please consider giving them suitable advice, and possibly advise their relatives to view the Caldwell Security Website for more advice and guidance, and possibly book a Consultation for a Security Survey.

Anyone who has previously been burgled, and who hasn’t implemented any additional security measures, is also at a higher risk of being burgled again, because the Criminal will be aware of the layout of the property, and how to gain entry, and will also hope the Victim has replaced any stolen items, once the Insurance Company has paid out.  If you have previously been burgled consider booking a Consultation with Caldwell Security and request a Security Survey to receive advice on potential security mitigation measures.

Other issues which might make householders more at risk of being burgled, are where doors and windows are left open, or unlocked, even when they are at home, but perhaps in the garden, or upstairs.  A Burglar only needs a minute to gain entry, steal cash, or other small valuable items, and be gone before the Householder has realised.  Make sure your doors and windows are kept locked, with the keys left in a safe place, out of view.

Social Media Users are also potentially at higher risk of being burgled, especially if they post pictures when away on holiday, or post articles showing valuable items, such as jewellery and watches, which Criminals will find attractive to steal.  Criminals can search the Internet to locate where somewhere lives, by using pictures and posts about an individual, and then break into their house.  Social Media Users need to be very careful about the information they post on-line.

Anyone who leaves valuables in view of an outside window, also raises the risk of being burgled.  If a Burglar is able to look through a window, and see something worth stealing, they are more likely to take a risk, and make an attempt to break in to steal.  It is important to keep all valuable items out of view.

Any house with a high-value vehicle on the driveway, may also be at higher risk of being burgled, because the Criminal will try to break in to steal the keys of the car.  Vehicle keys should be kept somewhere safe, and out of view, when the vehicle is left parked and unattended.  For more advice, please see the Caldwell Security Blog, ‘What cars are at most risk of being stolen’.

You may wish to consider booking a Consultation with Caldwell Security, who can arrange a bespoke low-cost Crime Prevention Security Survey, and give professional advice, on what proportionate security measures would be the most appropriate for you. To learn more about our burglary prevention services click HERE

Caldwell Security Consultants will provide, no obligation, security mitigation recommendations, but they do not provide installation, or supply, of any security products.