Facts About Residential Burglaries

Facts About Residential Burglaries

June 10, 2015 Burglaries, Residential

Startling Facts About Residential Burglaries

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, burglary is defined as “the unlawful entry of a structure to commit felony or theft.” In 2013, there were an estimated 1.9 million burglaries in the US – one burglary every 16.4 seconds. It’s important that all homeowners remain aware of the crime trends in their area. The UCR Program classifies burglary into three subcategories:

  • Unlawful entry where no force is used
  • Forcible entry
  • Attempted forcible entry.[1]

Many of our preconceived notions about residential burglary are based on dramatized (and often inaccurate) portrayals of this crime on television shows and movies. It may surprise you to learn the following facts about residential burglaries, and hopefully encourage you to stay vigilant and take the necessary steps to keep your family and property safe:

  • In 30% of burglaries, thieves gain entry through unlocked doors or windows. The simple act of locking all doors and windows in your home can provide a great deal of protection
  • There are over 2 million residential burglaries every year, costing victims (on average) over $2,000 in lost items. Collectively, victims of property crimes (excluding arson) suffered losses of nearly $16.6 billion in 2013[2]
  • Because families travel more often in the summer, and doors/windows are often left open to cool off the house, summer is the most common time for residential burglaries to occur
  • 2/3 of burglaries occur during the day–9 a.m.-3 p.m. are the most common hours for residential burglaries
  • Only 13% of burglaries are ever solved
  • On average, intruders spend less than 60 seconds trying to break into a home
  • Two-thirds of burglaries are in homes that do not have security systems
  • Challenges to entry (i.e. alarm systems) discourage burglars, who often move on in search of an easier target, yet just 17% of homes in the United States are equipped with security systems[3]

Protect Your Home In The Coachella Valley  (Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Palm Desert)

According to Safe Guard The World, “homes without security systems are up to 300% more likely to be broken into.” Desert Alarm, Inc. is a local home alarm company that has provided cutting edge security services for our neighbors here in the Coachella Valley for over 24 years. Our services go far beyond simple home security measures—we employ state-of-the-art security features designed to keep your family and your home safe from any and all threats, whether you are at home, on the road, or out of town. We have served over 17,000 local customers, and take pride in giving our clients the peace of mind that comes from knowing their family, home, and property are safe and secure.

[1] http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2012/crime-in-the-u.s.-2012/property-crime/burglary

[2] http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2013/crime-in-the-u.s.-2013/summary-2013/2013-cius-summary-_final

[3] http://houstonhomesecurityjudge.com/8-surprising-facts-about-home-security/

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