Home Burglary
Home Burglary Facts in the United States
By far, the most common threat to any home is burglary. According to the FBI, a burglary happens in the United States every 15.4 seconds. By definition, buglary is a non-violent property crime that takes place when you are away from home. However, becoming the victim of a burglary leaves people feeling vulnerable and violated even if they were miles away. To avoid becoming a victim of a burglary, it is vital to gain a first hand understanding of what type of person commits these crimes and for what reason.
Majority of residential or commercial burglaries take place during the daytime when most consumers are at school or work. The summer months between June and August are the worst months for a burglary while February has the fewest burglaries. Most burglaries are committed by males under the age of 25 looking for small expensive items easily converted to cash. Some of the items that are stolen during a burglary are cash, guns, computers, jewelry and electronic devices. It is the quick cash that entices burglars need to fuel living expenses and drug habits. Research and statistics suggest that 70% of intruders use force to enter a dwelling although their preference is to enter through a door or window. Burglarizing a home is can easier accomplished with household tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, pry bars, hammers and channel locks. The burglary crime rate is elevated because law enforcement catches only 13% of the intruders. It is even more rare to actually catch the thief in the act.
A burglar has a simple formula for selecting a dwelling to burglarize as they choose an unoccupied residence with easy access, good amount of cover and best escape routes to exit the premise without being seen. To prevent burglaries, the best offense is the best defense. Good neighbors should watch out for each other to minimize the risk. Get to know your community so they will know when you come and go. Let them know when you go on vacation or going to be away for periods of time. Have them pick up your mail or even park their car in your driveway. The more your know your enviroment, the less chance that you will be a victim.
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