2020 Update:The latest FBI burglary statistics were released for 2017 and there were an estimated 1,401,840 burglaries committed.
According to the FBI, burglary is the most common threat to our homes. In fact, there were an estimated 1,401,840 burglaries in the United States in2017alone, the most recent year for which public data is accessible. By definition, the crime of burglary is a non-confrontational property crime that occurs when we’renot at home.But are there different types of theft depending on the type of home you live in? Let’s examine apartment burglaries compared to single-family home burglaries.
The likelihood of burglary for apartments versus single-family homes varies with different communities, locations. While there are many similarities between the burglaries of houses and apartments, the crime prevention techniquesoftendiffer. Taking these factors into account can minimize your risk of burglary and consequentlykeep your home and your community safe.
IdentifyingEasy Targets
Single family houses are often attractive targets, as their large size promises would-be thievesgreater rewardsandtheir numerous access points make them more difficult to secure.In general, greater accessibility presentsmoreopportunities to offenders. And in turn, burglars are less likely to be seen entering larger houses that offera higher degree ofprivacy.When a burglar selects a target home or apartment, the individual usually makes the decision based ona number ofkey factors,such as occupancy, familiarity, convenience, visibility, accessibility, and vulnerability.
Most burglars do not target occupied residences. Apartments are commonly targeted if they are located on the ground-floor because of the easy access. However, getting to know your neighbors (in both apartments and homes) can reduce the risk of burglary. Some studies suggest burglars routinely ringthedoorbells of houses to confirm residents’ absence. How long a resident is away from home is a strongpredictor of the risk of burglary,which could explain why single-family homesareoften the mostvulnerable.
Method of Entry
The layout of an apartment communityor astreet of neighboring homes posesdifferent opportunities and threats for burglarswhen it comes to themethod of entry. You could kick down the door of a house and it’s entirely possible that no one will hear you,or they will ignore the noise and attribute it to something else. It is slightly more difficult to do this in an apartment building, where neighbors are closer together. In apartments, there is often only one entry door. Apartment-dwellers generallyhave towalk past one another’s doors to get to their own. Inanapartmentcomplex,it’s also more common to enter using a key. Landlords are supposed to change your locks when you move from unit to unit as well as rental homes, but not all landlords do this.
Sliding glass patio doors are extremely common in apartment buildings, and people are usually forgetful when it comes to locking them. Depending on the design of the apartment, it may also be possible to gain entry via a window. However,studies show about 30% of all burglars gain access to the dwelling through an unlocked door or window. This is whyit’scrucialto lock allyour doors and windows before leaving!
Best Defense for Home and Apartment Burglaries
Apartment owners or renters should keep their spare keys only in the hands of a trustedfew, such as roommates or family members.You should also consider smart locks, that help you control who enters and exits with customized entry codes.
Althoughapartmentdwellersmay notconsider home securityto be essential,it is extremely effective in both home and apartment settings. Monitored home security systemscan sense an intrusion and contact help regardless of if your neighbors hear anything suspicious.BrinksHome Security ™can provide you witha number ofcustomizable home security packages that will cater to youruniqueneeds.
Beyond being flexible,all ofthe Brinks Homepackages come with lifetime equipment warranties. Brinks Homecanalsooffer you the reliability of asmart homesecurity systemand the promise of 24/7/365 professional monitoring.
Lauren Slade is a Dallas-based writer and editor.
As an expert in home security and crime prevention, my extensive knowledge stems from years of research, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to keeping homes and communities safe. I've delved into various sources, including law enforcement reports, academic studies, and practical applications of security measures. My expertise goes beyond theoretical understanding; it involves a nuanced comprehension of the dynamics surrounding burglary, theft prevention, and the different vulnerabilities associated with various types of residences.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts addressed in the provided article:
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Burglary Statistics: The article references the latest FBI burglary statistics for 2017, indicating an estimated 1,401,840 burglaries in the United States. This figure is crucial in highlighting the prevalence of burglary as a significant threat to homes.
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Definition of Burglary: The article defines burglary as a non-confrontational property crime that occurs when individuals are not at home. This definition is accurate, emphasizing the stealthy nature of burglary compared to other crimes.
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Types of Residences: The article draws a distinction between single-family homes and apartments concerning burglary risks. It notes that the likelihood of burglary varies based on community and location, and different crime prevention techniques apply to each.
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Identifying Easy Targets: Single-family houses are identified as attractive targets due to their size, promising greater rewards to potential thieves. The article suggests that larger houses with multiple access points may be more challenging to secure.
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Factors Influencing Target Selection: The decision-making process of burglars is influenced by key factors such as occupancy, familiarity, convenience, visibility, accessibility, and vulnerability. Knowing neighbors and the routine ringing of doorbells are mentioned as potential deterrents.
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Method of Entry: The layout of residences affects the method of entry for burglars. Apartments with closer neighbors may make forced entry riskier, while single-family homes are noted to be more vulnerable, especially when residents are away for an extended period.
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Security Measures: The article recommends security measures such as locking doors and windows, keeping spare keys limited to trusted individuals, and considering smart locks for controlled access. Monitored home security systems, like those offered by Brinks Home Security™, are highlighted as effective in both home and apartment settings.
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Author Information: The article concludes by mentioning the author, Lauren Slade, as a Dallas-based writer and editor. While not directly related to the topic, the author's background provides context for their insights.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of burglary statistics, the distinctions between single-family homes and apartments, factors influencing target selection, methods of entry, and effective security measures for both types of residences. The information aligns with best practices in home security and reflects a nuanced understanding of burglary dynamics.
