What the Research Says
The most useful data on burglary prevention doesn't come from security companies — it comes from criminologists who interview actual burglars. Studies from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and others have collected accounts from hundreds of convicted residential burglars. Their answers about target selection are remarkably consistent.
What Deters a Burglar
The top deterrents, in order of how frequently they appeared in interview data:
- Dogs: The single most consistent deterrent cited. Not because dogs are dangerous — because they're loud and unpredictable. A barking dog draws attention. Burglars avoid attention.
- Signs of occupancy: Lights on, TV audible, a car in the driveway, music playing. Anything that suggests someone might be home.
- Visible cameras: Most burglars in interview data said they would move to a different house if they saw cameras. Some noted they'd look for camera blind spots — but the majority would simply leave.
- Alert neighbors: Neighbors who are outside, who make eye contact, who seem to notice. Burglars described "community feel" neighborhoods as high-risk targets.
- No easy concealment: Burglars need time at a door or window without being seen from the street. Trimmed hedges, open sight lines, and motion lights eliminate the cover they need.
What Does NOT Deter a Burglar
- Security company yard signs alone: Most burglars said they'd check for actual cameras and sensors before being deterred by a sign. Signs without visible cameras are often dismissed.
- Deadbolts on doors: Doors are not the primary entry point in most burglaries — windows and unlocked doors are. A deadbolt matters, but unlocked ground-floor windows matter more.
- Alarm systems without monitoring: A loud alarm helps if neighbors will call police. In areas where neighbors ignore alarms, a self-monitoring system buys the burglar time.
The Average Burglary Timeline
Interview data consistently shows most residential burglaries are completed in under 10 minutes. The target is usually identified in advance — a drive-by or walk-by first. Entry is fast, search focuses on master bedroom (jewelry, cash, firearms), kitchen (junk drawer cash), and visible electronics.
The implication: slowing down entry and increasing visibility of any part of the approach is often enough to make a burglar choose a different house.
Highest-Impact Changes
- Install a visible camera (Arlo Pro 4 or Wyze Cam v3) at the front door and rear entry
- Motion-activated lights on all approach paths
- Trim shrubs below window height near entry points
- Leave a light on or use a timer — especially when gone overnight
- Introduce yourself to neighbors; report anything suspicious to each other
None of these require expensive systems. They remove the conditions that make your home look like the easier choice.