Stats

Burglary Statistics

Here are key insights and statistics related to home burglaries:

  • In 2017, the FBI reported a total of 1,401,840 burglaries, with 57.5% involving forcible entry. This highlights the prevalence of burglaries that involve breaking into homes forcefully. (Source: Criminal Justice Information Services Division)
  • Annually, there are approximately 2.5 million burglaries in the United States, as reported by the FBI. This statistic gives an overview of the scale of burglaries happening across the country.
  • Alarmingly, a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States, according to crimepreventiontips.com. This statistic emphasizes the frequency at which burglaries take place and the need for effective security measures.
  • The FBI reports that a break-in occurs every 26 seconds in the US. This data further underscores the speed and frequency with which homes are targeted by burglars.
  • Homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be broken into and burglarized. This statistic, provided by Alarms.org, highlights the effectiveness of security systems in deterring burglaries and protecting homes.
  • Surprisingly, 46.9% of people do not have a home security system installed in their homes. This suggests that a significant portion of the population is vulnerable to potential break-ins.
  • According to the FBI, 83% of would-be burglars check for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in. This demonstrates the impact of visible alarm systems in discouraging potential burglars.
  • The Bureau of Justice reports that 34% of burglars use the front door when breaking into a home. This statistic emphasizes the importance of securing all entry points, including front doors, to prevent burglaries.
  • Out of the 2.5 million burglaries that occur annually in the United States, 66% are home invasions, as stated by the US Department of Justice. This highlights the severity of burglaries that involve invading occupied homes.
  • Alarmingly, police solve only 13% of reported burglary cases, according to the Pew Research Center. This statistic sheds light on the low likelihood of apprehending burglars and recovering stolen items, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and home security.

    Annual Burglary Statistics in the United States: Enhancing Home Security in the Modern Age

    Each year, a significant number of burglaries take place in the United States. According to the yearly data provided by the United States Department of Justice, approximately 2.5 million burglaries occur annually in the country. Home invasions make up more than half of these incidents. This article explores the various types of burglaries and highlights the increasing accessibility and affordability of security systems as effective means to safeguard homes from external threats.

    Types of Burglaries: Crime analysis categorizes burglaries into four primary types: completed burglary, forcible entry, unlawful entry without force, and attempted forcible entry. These classifications help authorities and researchers understand the nature of these crimes and develop appropriate preventive measures.

    Completed Burglary: A completed burglary refers to a situation where an unauthorized person successfully gains entry into a property with the intent to commit theft or other criminal activities. Such incidents often result in property damage, loss of personal belongings, and a sense of violation for the victims.

    Forcible Entry: Burglaries involving forcible entry occur when intruders employ physical force to gain access to a property. This may include breaking doors or windows, forcing locks, or using tools to breach security barriers. The damage caused during such incidents can be extensive and can lead to significant financial losses for the victims.

    Unlawful Entry without Force: In some cases, burglars manage to enter a property without using any physical force. This could occur when doors or windows are left unlocked or vulnerable to simple manipulation. Although the absence of forced entry may suggest a lower risk, it is crucial to remember that unauthorized access to a property is still a serious offense.

    Attempted Forcible Entry: Instances of attempted forcible entry involve unsuccessful attempts by burglars to breach the security measures of a property. These can occur due to various reasons, such as the presence of robust security systems, vigilant neighbors, or the timely intervention of law enforcement agencies. While these attempts may not result in actual burglaries, they serve as reminders of the constant need for adequate home security.

    Enhancing Home Security: As the availability and affordability of security systems continue to improve, protecting one's home from external invasions has become more convenient than ever before. Homeowners now have access to a wide range of options, including surveillance cameras, motion sensors, alarm systems, and smart locks, among others. These technological advancements empower individuals to take proactive steps towards securing their properties and deterring potential burglars.

    Updated Insights on Burglary Statistics and Gender Disparities

    Below are updated statistics on burglary trends, home security systems, and personal safety behaviors. Furthermore, it highlights significant differences between the behaviors of men and women in relation to home security and personal safety measures.

    Burglary Statistics:

    • Home Security Systems: Surprisingly, 46.9% of individuals do not have a home security system installed in their homes, leaving them vulnerable to potential break-ins.
    • Burglaries: Car burglaries affected 20.2% of people surveyed, whereas only 5.8% reported home burglaries as an issue.
    • Dog as Security: Approximately 15.9% of respondents relied on dogs for security reasons, indicating the trust people place in their canine companions.
    • Key Security System Features: External cameras were considered the most crucial feature in a security system (32.3%), followed by motion sensors (28.6%) and floodlights (24.5%).
    • Unlocked Front Doors: Alarmingly, 17.2% of people admitted to not locking their front doors while at home, even though it serves as the access point for 34% of burglars.
    • Personal Safety Training: A staggering 56.1% of respondents have not taken a personal safety training class, highlighting a potential gap in preparedness.

      Gender Disparities:

      • Personal Safety Training: A notable difference emerged between men and women, with 57.5% of women having taken a personal safety training course compared to only 42.5% of men.
      • Locked Front Doors: Women displayed a higher level of security consciousness, with 55.7% ensuring their front doors were locked while at home, compared to 44.3% of men.
      • Social Media Awareness: Interestingly, 61.1% of women admitted to posting on social media when away from home, potentially alerting would-be burglars to an easy target.
      • Preferred Security Features: Women prioritized video doorbells as the most important feature in a security system, whereas men favored digital door locks.
      • Dog Selection: Men were more likely than women to consider safety and security factors when choosing a dog.
      • Weapon Ownership: Men outnumbered women in owning a weapon for personal safety, indicating a gender disparity in perceived security needs.

          Analyzing Home Burglary Trends Over the Years

          The following provides insights into the annual statistics on home burglaries, offering a glimpse into the changing trends in property crimes. For more comprehensive information on yearly burglary crime rates, readers are encouraged to visit the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services Division.

          2019: Preliminary data from 2019 indicates a promising decline of 3.1% in the number of burglaries and violent crimes during the first six months, when compared to the same period in 2018. This initial drop reflects positive progress in curbing property crimes and enhancing overall safety.

          2018: In 2018, a concerning 7% of homes in the United States experienced property crimes, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and security measures to safeguard residential properties.

          2017: According to the FBI's report, a staggering 1,401,840 burglaries were recorded in 2017. Notably, 57.5% of these burglaries involved forcible entry, underscoring the persistence of determined intruders willing to employ physical force to gain access to homes.

          2016: An analysis of a two-year trend revealed a 1.3% decrease in the burglary rate in 2016 compared to the estimated figures from 2015. This decline indicates some progress in mitigating the incidence of residential break-ins.

          2015: In 2015, burglary crimes accounted for 19.8% of all property crimes, while larceny and theft constituted the majority at 71.4%. Motor vehicle theft made up 8.9% of the total property crimes reported during that year. These figures provide a broader context for understanding the distribution of criminal activities within the realm of property crimes.

             

            The following data provides an overview of burglary statistics across the fifty states in the United States, based on a September 2021 report by Statistica. The data reveals the states with the highest burglary rates in 2020, shedding light on regional variations in residential security.

            Burglary Rates by State in 2020

            1. State (in alphabetical order)

              Burglary rate per 100,000 habitants in 2020

              Alabama

              399.5

              Alaska

              379.5

              Arizona

              330

              Arkansas

              523.1

              California

              369.7

              Colorado

              400.3

              Connecticut

              187.1

              Delaware

              254.2

              Florida

              240.6

              Georgia

              290.7

              Hawaii

              329.1

              Idaho

              204.2

              Illinois

              246.6

              Indiana

              280.4

              Iowa

              371.1

              Kansas

              331.4

              Kentucky

              344.1

              Louisiana

              510.1

              Maine

              148.8

              Maryland

              252

              Massachusetts

              149.7

              Michigan

              233.1

              Minnesota

              307

              Mississippi

              488.3

              Missouri

              378.8

              Montana

              270.1

              Nebraska

              229.9

              Nevada

              368.8

              New Hampshire

              103.3

              New Jersey

              146.2

              New Mexico

              648.8

              New York

              165.5

              North Carolina

              471.2

              North Dakota

              417.6

              Ohio

              318.8

              Oklahoma

              613.3

              Oregon

              339.2

              Pennsylvania

              248.6

              Rhode Island

              166.8

              South Carolina

              448

              South Dakota

              340.1

              Tennessee

              384.5

              Texas

              370.7

              Utah

              290.6

              Vermont

              154.2

              Virginia

              133.5

              Washington

              522.1

              West Virginia

              273.3

              Wisconsin

              218.5

              Wyoming

              210.4

              Washington DC

              275.5

             

            Analyzing home invasion statistics by entry point provides valuable insights into the vulnerabilities that burglars exploit during break-ins. Understanding these trends helps homeowners and authorities focus their security efforts on fortifying specific entry points, such as garage doors, back doors, windows, and ground-level access points. By implementing appropriate security measures, individuals can better protect their homes and reduce the risk of unauthorized intrusions. For more comprehensive analysis, readers are encouraged to consult the provided data sources from reputable organizations.

               

              Entry Points and Home Invasion Statistics:

              1. Garage Door: 9% of burglars choose the garage door as their preferred access point, highlighting the importance of securing this area to prevent unauthorized entry.
              2. Back Door: Approximately 22% of break-ins occur through the back door, emphasizing the need for robust security measures and reinforced locks to deter intruders from targeting this vulnerable entryway.
              3. Second Floor: While relatively less common, approximately 2% of burglars attempt to gain entrance through the second floor. This highlights the importance of securing upper-level windows and employing effective security measures on all levels of the home.
              4. First Floor: The majority of home robberies, accounting for 81%, commence on the first floor. This underscores the significance of fortifying ground-level entry points, including front doors and windows, to impede burglars' attempts.
              5. Basement: A small portion of burglars, constituting 9%, gain access to homes through the basement. Securing basement windows and doors is crucial to prevent unauthorized entry through these lower-level areas.
              6. Windows: Approximately 23% of burglars enter a home through windows. This emphasizes the importance of installing sturdy locks, security bars, or sensors to deter and detect unauthorized entry through windows.

                Conclusion: Analyzing home invasion statistics by entry point provides valuable insights into the vulnerabilities that burglars exploit during break-ins. Understanding these trends helps homeowners and authorities focus their security efforts on fortifying specific entry points, such as garage doors, back doors, windows, and ground-level access points. By implementing appropriate security measures, individuals can better protect their homes and reduce the risk of unauthorized intrusions. For more comprehensive analysis, readers are encouraged to consult the provided data sources from reputable organizations.

                   

                  The following information delves into criminal psychology statistics, providing insights into various aspects of criminal behavior based on data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. These findings shed light on important factors such as the relationship between perpetrators and victims, premeditation in burglaries, methods of entry, and the duration of criminal activities.

                  Key Criminal Psychology Statistics:

                  1. Acquaintance Involvement: Astonishingly, after an arrest, 65.1% of individuals personally know the person who committed the crime against them. This highlights the disconcerting fact that neighbors or acquaintances have a high likelihood of being involved in attempted robberies.
                  2. Impulsive Burglaries: Only 12% of all burglaries are premeditated, indicating that a significant majority of thieves admit that the decision to break into a property was impulsive in nature. This emphasizes the need for continuous vigilance in protecting homes against opportunistic intruders.
                  3. Forceful Entries: A staggering 95% of burglaries involve forceful entry into the targeted home, resulting in physical damage to personal property. This underscores the disruptive and invasive nature of these crimes, leading to significant losses and emotional distress for victims.
                  4. Home Invasion and Assaults: Disturbingly, over 60% of assaults, including serious crimes such as rape, occur during home invasions. This highlights the increased vulnerability individuals face within the perceived safety of their own residences.
                  5. Geographic Proximity: Mapped data indicates that most burglars tend to target homes within a few miles of their own residence. This highlights the importance of understanding local crime patterns and taking appropriate security measures to safeguard homes in proximity to potential offenders.
                  6. Short Duration: On average, a burglary lasts only 8 to 10 minutes. This rapid timeframe underscores the need for efficient security systems and prompt response mechanisms to minimize the damage caused during these crimes.

                    Conclusion: The presented criminal psychology statistics shed light on various aspects of criminal behavior, emphasizing the importance of proactive security measures and community awareness. Recognizing the potential involvement of acquaintances, the impulsive nature of burglaries, the prevalence of forceful entries, the occurrence of assaults during home invasions, proximity-based targeting, and the short duration of burglaries can help individuals and communities enhance their security measures and minimize risks. By staying informed and implementing effective preventive strategies, individuals can work towards creating safer environments and protecting themselves from potential criminal threats.

                      Sources:

                      1. FBI: UCR (Uniform Crime Reporting) - The Federal Bureau of Investigation's UCR program provides comprehensive crime data, including burglary statistics, to support research and analysis of criminal activities.
                      2. Bureau of Justice Statistics - The Bureau of Justice Statistics collects and disseminates data on crime, criminal offenders, and victims, offering valuable insights into various aspects of the criminal justice system.
                      3. American Society of Criminology - The American Society of Criminology is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the study of criminology and criminal justice. Their research publications and resources contribute to the understanding of criminal behavior and related topics.
                      4. Pew Research Center - The Pew Research Center conducts research and provides data on various social issues, including crime and public opinion on security measures. Their reports offer valuable insights into public perceptions and attitudes towards security systems.
                      5. Statistica - Statistica is a reputable statistics and market research platform that provides reliable data on a wide range of topics, including crime rates, trends, and analysis.
                      6. Statistics 2020 - Burglary by State - This specific source provides comprehensive burglary statistics categorized by state for the year 2020, offering a detailed overview of the prevalence of burglaries across different regions.
                      7. The New York Times - "Do Security Systems Make You Safer?" - The New York Times, a respected news outlet, published an article exploring the effectiveness of security systems in enhancing safety. The article delves into the benefits and considerations associated with these systems, providing valuable insights for readers.

                        These sources, including the FBI, Bureau of Justice Statistics, American Society of Criminology, Pew Research Center, Statistica, and The New York Times, offer a wealth of information and analysis on burglary statistics, crime trends, security systems, and related topics.

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                        Assessing the Effectiveness of having a Home Safe or Gun Safe in Deterring the Time-Constrained Burglar

                        Protecting our homes and valued possessions is a top priority for homeowners. Many consider installing a home safe or gun safe as an additional security measure. However, the effectiveness of safes in deterring time-constrained burglars is a topic of debate. This discussion aims to examine whether the presence of a home safe can effectively dissuade burglars who have limited time, specifically ten to fifteen minutes, to execute their crime. By analyzing the mindset of burglars, the impact of time constraints, and various factors influencing deterrence, we can gain valuable insights into the efficacy of home safes or gun safes as a deterrent to burglaries.

                        Understanding the Burglar's Mindset

                        To evaluate the effectiveness of home safes or gun safes as a deterrent, it is important to delve into the mindset of burglars. Most burglars seek quick gains while minimizing the risk of detection. They rely on speed, stealth, and the ability to locate valuable items swiftly. In this context, the presence of a safe can act as a significant obstacle, making the burglar reconsider their plan due to the increased difficulty and time required to breach it and understanding that most valuables are placed inside the safe.

                        Time Constraints and Decision-Making

                        Time constraints play a crucial role in determining the impact of safes on a burglar's decision-making process. Within a limited time frame of ten to fifteen minutes, burglars face immense pressure to identify and seize valuable items swiftly. Encountering a safe during their search adds an additional challenge, potentially consuming precious time. This time pressure may force the burglar to abandon their original plan or focus on easier targets within the residence.

                        Factors Influencing Deterrence

                        Several factors influence the effectiveness of safes as a deterrent. The visibility of the safe is vital; a prominently displayed safe can discourage burglars, signaling enhanced security measures. The quality and durability of the safe are also critical factors. This will be discussed in the next article. A robust, high-quality safe significantly increases the time required to breach it, reducing the likelihood of success within a limited time frame. Furthermore, when combined with a comprehensive security system that includes alarms, surveillance cameras, and proper lighting, the presence of a safe strengthens the overall deterrent effect.

                        Alternative Scenarios and Counterarguments

                        While a safe can be an effective deterrent, it is important to consider alternative scenarios and counterarguments. Some burglars may choose to steal the entire safe to bypass cracking it elsewhere, nullifying its deterrent effect. Moreover, a well-prepared burglar may already possess detailed information about the residence and its security measures, rendering the safe's presence less impactful.

                        Conclusion

                        The effectiveness of a safe as a deterrent to time-constrained burglars depends on various factors, including the burglar's mindset, time constraints, and overall security measures. While a prominently displayed, a durable safe can act as a deterrent, its impact may vary based on the burglar's tools, knowledge, and familiarity with the targeted residence. Employing a comprehensive security approach that combines multiple measures such as safes, alarms, surveillance cameras, and proper lighting is more likely to discourage burglars and effectively protect one's home. By prioritizing home security, homeowners can enhance their defense against potential intrusions.

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                        When it comes to deterring a burglar with hand tools, there are several important specifications to consider when choosing a safe. Here are fifteen key specifications to look for:

                        1. Door Steel Thickness: The thickness of the safe's steel construction plays a crucial role in its overall strength and resistance to attacks. For the safe door, a recommended minimum thickness is 1/4 inch of solid steel.
                        2. Body Steel Thickness: The safe body should also have substantial steel thickness. A recommended minimum steel thickness for the safe body is 12 gauge of solid steel.
                        3. Solid Construction: The safe should be constructed using solid steel plates rather than composite or layered materials, as these can be vulnerable to cutting and drilling.
                        4. Bolt Size and Quantity: The safe should have large and numerous bolts on all sides of the door. Thicker bolts (at least 1-1/2 inch in diameter) provide greater resistance against prying attacks.
                        5. Bolt Mechanism: The bolts should be operated by a robust locking mechanism, such as a multi-point locking system, to ensure they engage securely into the door frame.
                        6. Hinge Protection: Hinges should be heavy-duty to prevent attacks by prying tools.
                        7. Relockers: A high-quality safe should have relockers, which are additional locking devices that engage when tampering is detected, further securing the safe.
                        8. Fire Resistance: Look for a safe with fire-resistant materials and construction to protect your valuables from heat and flames. Fire ratings should be at least 60-minutes at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.
                        9. Drill Resistance: The safe should be designed to resist drilling attacks, with hardened steel plates or drill-resistant barriers in critical areas such as the lock and boltwork.
                        10. Tamper-Proof Lock: Consider a safe with a high-quality, tamper-resistant lock, such as a UL Group 2 mechanical lock or a UL listed electronic lock with advanced security features.
                        11. Weight and Mounting Options: A heavier safe is generally harder to steal, so consider the weight of the safe. Also, look for mounting options that allow you to secure the safe to the floor for added security.
                        12. Burglar Alarm Connectivity: Some safes offer the option to connect to a burglar alarm system, which can trigger an alert if an unauthorized attempt to open the safe is detected. A good safe installer can discuss those options.

                        It's important to note that these specifications are general recommendations, and the specific requirements may vary depending on the level of security you need and the value of the items you plan to store in the safe. Consulting with a professional safe specialist will help in your decision-making process.

                         

                         

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