When it comes to protecting your home, it helps to think like a burglar. Most intruders aren't looking for a challenge—they're looking for the quickest, quietest opportunity with the least chance of getting caught. Understanding what makes a home appealing or unappealing to a burglar can help you build strong layers of protection and reduce your risk dramatically.
Below, we break down the easiest homes for burglars to target and the ones they typically avoid at all costs, along with simple steps you can take to strengthen your security.
Homes Burglars Target First: The Easiest Opportunities
Burglars want fast access, minimal visibility, and zero obstacles. They often choose homes with:
1. Poor Lighting
Dim entryways, dark driveways, and unlit backyards help burglars move undetected.
They love:
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Dark porches
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Overgrown shrubs
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Unlit side entrances
Lighting is one of the easiest deterrents homeowners overlook.
2. Unlocked Doors and Windows
A shocking number of break-ins involve no forced entry.
Burglars often check:
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Back doors
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Side garage doors
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First-floor windows
One quick push or lift can be all they need.
3. No Security System
Homes without visible security are prime targets.
Burglars notice:
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No cameras
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No alarm signs
Even a security yard sign alone can stop a burglar from choosing your home.
4. Homes That Look Empty
Most burglaries occur between 10 AM and 3 PM, when families are at work or school.
They look for:
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No cars in the driveway
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Blinds left open
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Dark, quiet interiors
Predictable routines = opportunity.
5. Hidden Entry Points
Burglars love homes where they can work without being seen.
Common hiding spots include:
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Large bushes
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High fences
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Blind spots not covered by cameras
If a neighbor can't see your doors or windows, burglars notice.
6. Visible Valuables
If a burglar can see something valuable through a window, there's more incentive to break in.
Examples:
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TVs
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Laptops
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Jewelry trays
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Car keys near entry doors
A quick peek can tell them everything they need to know.
Homes Burglars Try to Avoid: The Most Difficult Targets
Burglars want easy wins. When they see these features, they usually move on.
1. A Visible Home Security System
According to burglar interviews, cameras and alarms are one of the strongest deterrents.
They're deterred by:
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Doorbell cameras
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Yard signs
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Window stickers
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Easily visible indoor cameras
A monitored security system makes their job too risky.
2. Bright Outdoor Lighting
Light takes away their camouflage.
Burglars avoid homes with:
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Motion-activated floodlights
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Bright porch lighting
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Illuminated walkways
Light exposes them—so they'd rather not take the chance.
3. Reinforced Doors and Windows
Time is the enemy of burglars. Anything that slows them down is a deterrent.
Hardest features include:
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Kick-proof door plates
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Heavy-duty deadbolts
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Security film on windows
If it takes more than a few seconds, they often abandon the attempt.
4. Homes With Dogs
Big or small, a barking dog draws attention quickly.
Most burglars don't want unexpected noise—or surprises.
5. Active, Watchful Neighborhoods
Burglars skip homes where:
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Neighbors are outside
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People walk frequently
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Homes are close together
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There's a neighborhood watch
Community visibility raises the risk of being seen or caught.
6. Smart Homes With Automation
Automation creates unpredictability.
Burglars dislike homes with:
These homes make break-ins complicated and risky.
Make Your Home One Burglars Avoid
You don't have to turn your home into a fortress to make it more secure. A few smart upgrades go a long way:
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Install a monitored security system
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Add motion lighting around entry points
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Trim shrubs and improve visibility
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Keep doors and windows locked
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Use smart technology to automate lights and alerts
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Install video doorbells and outdoor cameras
With the right layers of protection, you can make your home one burglars simply don't want to mess with.
Protect Your Home With Ackerman Security
At Ackerman Security, we've spent over 50 years helping Georgia families protect what matters most. From 24/7 monitoring to smart home automation and outdoor security cameras, we'll help you build a system burglars don't want to deal with.
Ready to secure your home? Schedule your free consultation today!
