10 shocking home burglary statistics to consider

Burglaries occur at an alarming rate. While the number of burglaries may have been decreasing over the years, this is still a very prominent property crime. Many homeowners who know the burglary statistics choose to utilize professional home security systems to protect their homes. On average, there are around two and a half million burglaries occurring each year in the U.S. But that is just a single shocking statistic. Join us as we explore some of the most shocking home burglary statistics and ponder on what exactly they represent.

Ten shocking home burglary statistics you may want to consider

1. In 65% of cases, burglarized homeowners know the burglar
2. Almost 75% of homes do not have a home security system
3. over 50% of burglaries are repeated in the period of six weeks
4. A burglary occurs every 30 seconds
5. Most burglaries happen in the middle of the day
6. Alaska is the state with the highest burglary rate
7. Almost 75% of homes will be burglarized in the next 20 years
8. Most people worry more about burglaries than any other property crimes
9. The average burglary loss is almost $3,000
10. Renters experience more burglaries

As you may see, some of those numbers are extraordinarily high. Simply knowing about these statistics may make you consider the benefits of investing in your home security system. Perhaps the most shocking statistic of them all is the fact that only around 25% of homes actually have a home security system, DIY or professional! But we will get to that. For now, let’s start by exploring the other most shocking statistic.

Homeowners usually know the burglar

The statistic that two-thirds of burglars are someone who the homeowners already know (and likely trust) is one that we find to be quite disturbing. But when you think about it, it stands to reason. After all, someone who knows about your work schedule, social and other habits, hobbies, etc. is in a much better position to burglarize your home and not get caught.

We’re not saying that you should suddenly start to mistrust everyone, though. But what you might want to do is take a look at some of the different types of home security systems to protect your home better. And you might want not to disclose the details of your security system to anyone. Aside from your family, no one should know about how your home security system works. Not even your closest friends. Again, we’re not saying that you should not trust your friends. But if you do happen to get burglarized by someone who knew the ins and outs of your home security system, the doubt is going to fall on everyone who knows. And the fewer who are on that particular list, the better.

Only around 25% of homes have a home security system

Speaking of home security systems, one would think that they should be an “auto-include” in just about every household, given home burglary statistics. Not only that is not the case, but only a quarter of homes actually have a home security system. Now, there are numerous reasons why this is the case. Renters, for example, do not want to invest in a home security system while landlords find that to be an unnecessary expense.

Home security systems are expensive, after all. And not many people choose to take on the risks of DIY home security installation, either. This provides an excellent opportunity to potential burglars, as they can be almost certain that there will be no pesky home security systems to stand in their way.

Over 50% of burglaries are repeated in the period of six weeks

Here’s an interesting statistic. Due to the way how home insurance works, a bit more than 50% of burglaries are repeated within six weeks. Six weeks is just enough time for the owner to claim funds from their home insurance, and replace the burglarized items, but usually not enough time to install new security measures. A savvy homeowner can, however, choose to install different types of home security cameras, one that a return burglar might not expect. Most people also do not expect a burglary to happen again in such a short period of time and they get complacent.

But now that you know that more than half of burglaries repeat themselves within six weeks, you might take the necessary precautions.

A burglary occurs every 30 seconds

This fact is more interesting than it is actually “useful”. Can you imagine that every time 30 seconds pass, a burglary has been committed somewhere in the U.S.? That is more than three thousand burglaries a day! Also, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program (Burglary), 55.7% of these burglaries were forcible entries, 37.8% were unlawful entries, and 6.5% of them were attempted forcible entries.

The report also goes to show that the burglary victims suffered around three billion in property losses.

Most burglaries happen in the middle of the day

When you think of burglars, you most likely think about people wearing balaclavas in the middle of the night. While there are certainly such individuals, they comprise the minority in the “burglar society” and account for fewer home burglary statistics. Most burglaries actually occur in the middle of the day! The “prime time” for burglaries is somewhere between 10 am and 3 pm.

This statistic is actually quite logical when you come to think about it. The timeframe in which most burglaries are occurring is when most people are not in their homes. And since we already know that most homes do not have a home security system, there is nothing stopping burglars from simply going in and out with their spoils. A savvy homeowner will, of course, install a home security system and minimize the chances of burglaries happening while they are away. Having a home security system is not a 100% deterrent, of course, but it will significantly lower the chance of your home being burglarized.

Alaska is the state with the highest burglary rate

If you were to be asked what state had the most burglaries in the U.S., what would you answer? We can almost guarantee that you would not mention Alaska. Yet, at a 28% burglary rate, Alaska takes the balaclava. Missouri is the second most burglarized state, with a 26% rate.

As an additional statistic, the states with the lowest property-related crimes are New Jersey and Tennessee, both tied at 13%.

Almost 75% of homes will be burglarized in the next 20 years

While this may not be a “real” statistic, as it has yet to occur, predictive analysis from the folks at SafeAtLast.co shows that in the next 20 years, almost three-quarters of all the homes in the U.S. will be burglarized. As you might imagine, no neighborhood is safe, it is just a matter of time before these home burglary statistics will become true. But this does not include the fact that a lot can change in the next 20 years. Perhaps the homeowners will “get to their senses” and protect their homes with a security system.

Most people worry more about burglaries than any other property crimes

When asked about what property crime they fear the most, burglaries tend to be the most common answer. According to SafeWise state of safety survey, over 60% of people mention burglary to be their greatest fear while they are not at home. Additionally, 58% of respondents also stated that they are really afraid of their homes being burglarized while they are sleeping.

Fear of a burglary “beats” out every other fear that concerns property crimes, including stolen property, car theft, online scams, etc.

The average burglary loss is almost $3,000

On average, burglaries set the homeowner back around $2,660. While for some people that might be pocket change, others can find it to be financially crippling. Aside from the monetary loss, burglaries enact an emotional toll on homeowners whose home has been burglarized. Almost half of the time, the burglars damage or steal irreplaceable items. And most people can’t go to sleep peacefully once their home has been burglarized.

Renters experience more burglaries

This one may not be as shocking as the rest of our home burglary statistics but is still a very important one. In the last few decades, renters have been targets of burglaries far more than homeowners. As the years go by, however, this particular statistic is steadily decreasing. In 1994, for example, the number of reported burglaries was 68 per one thousand rented households. In 2011, the number of burglaries in rented homes was down to 33 per one thousand.

As you can see, there are a lot of reasons to invest in a home security system. You can find all about the best home security systems and the top home security system companies right here, at Consumer Opinion Guide. You can also find out more about what makes home security systems “tick”! As well as a plethora of useful tips and tricks!