The 5 Things Burglars Always Notice (Even If You Don’t)
Your home is your sanctuary. But to a burglar, it's a potential target evaluated with a surprisingly keen eye. They're looking for the path of least resistance, and subtle clues you might overlook can be glaring invitations to them. Understanding what burglars notice is the first crucial step in bolstering your home's defenses.
As experts in home security, we at Kangaroo know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Let's dive into the top five things that catch a burglar's attention and how you can turn those vulnerabilities into deterrents, with a little help from smart, affordable security.
1. Easy Access Points: The Unlocked Welcome Mat
This might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised. Burglars often start by checking the simplest entry points.
What They Notice: Unlocked doors (front, back, patio, garage service door), open or unlocked windows (especially on the ground floor or accessible via a flat roof), flimsy locks, or old, weak door frames. They also look for hidden spare keys under mats or rocks – a classic blunder.
Why It's a Red Flag: An unlocked door or window is a zero-effort entry. No noise, no fuss. Weak locks can be quickly forced or picked.
Your Smart Move:
Always lock your doors and windows, even if you're just stepping out for a minute.
Upgrade to high-quality deadbolts.
Reinforce door frames and strike plates.
Kangaroo Solution: Our Door/Window Sensors provide instant alerts to your phone if a secured entry point is breached. Pair this with a Kangaroo Video Doorbell Camera to see who's at your door, day or night, and even communicate with them.
2. Signs of an Empty Home: The "Coast is Clear" Signal
Burglars prefer to work undisturbed. They're adept at spotting signs that a home is currently unoccupied.
What They Notice: Piled-up mail or newspapers, an overflowing mailbox, no lights on in the evening, drawn curtains during the day (or vice-versa consistently), an unmoved car, or an overgrown lawn. In the digital age, they might even check social media posts announcing vacations.
Why It's a Red Flag: These signs scream "nobody's home," significantly reducing the risk of confrontation.
Your Smart Move:
When away, have a trusted neighbor collect mail and packages.
Use smart timers for lights and even a radio to create the illusion of occupancy.
Arrange for lawn care if you'll be gone for an extended period.
Be cautious about broadcasting your travel plans online. (For more tips on this, check out advice from security experts like the National Crime Prevention Council).
Kangaroo Solution: With Kangaroo's app, you can monitor your home from anywhere. While not a direct fix for mail, knowing you have Indoor + Outdoor Cameras keeping an eye on things provides immense peace of mind.
3. Lack of Visible Security: The "Easy Target" Marker
This is a big one. Burglars are opportunists, and a home without any visible signs of a security system is far more appealing.
What They Notice: No visible security cameras, no alarm system siren box, no yard signs or window stickers indicating a security system.
Why It's a Red Flag: It suggests the homeowners are less security-conscious, and there's a lower chance of being recorded or triggering an alarm.
Your Smart Move:
Install visible security cameras, especially covering primary entry points.
Display yard signs and window decals from your security provider. Even if you have a DIY system, these are powerful deterrents.
Kangaroo Solution: This is where Kangaroo shines! Our affordable Security Cameras (both indoor and outdoor models) are designed to be effective and visible. Don't forget the Kangaroo Yard Sign – a simple, cost-effective way to warn off potential intruders. Our Security System Starter Kits often include these vital deterrents.
4. Poor Outdoor Lighting & Overgrown Landscaping: The Perfect Cover
Burglars thrive in shadows and concealment.
What They Notice: Dark pathways, shadowy doorways, overgrown trees and shrubs near windows or doors that offer hiding spots.
Why It's a Red Flag: Darkness and cover allow them to approach the house, assess vulnerabilities, and attempt entry without being easily seen by neighbors or passersby.
Your Smart Move:
Install motion-sensor lights around your home's perimeter, especially near entry points.
Trim trees and bushes so they don't offer concealment. Keep landscaping neat.
Ensure porches and entryways are well-lit.
Kangaroo Solution: Our Outdoor Camera features night vision, ensuring you get clear footage even in low-light conditions. While it doesn't replace good landscape lighting, it ensures that anyone lurking in the shadows will be seen and recorded.
5. Valuables in Plain Sight: The Tempting Invitation
Sometimes, the temptation is just too great.
What They Notice: Expensive electronics, jewelry, cash, or other valuables visible through windows or glass doors. An open garage door revealing high-end tools, bikes, or sporting equipment is also a major draw.
Why It's a Red Flag: It confirms that there's something valuable inside worth the risk of breaking in. It can turn a "maybe" target into a "definite" one.
Your Smart Move:
Keep valuable items out of sight from windows.
Use blinds or curtains, especially at night or when you're away.
Always keep your garage door closed and locked.
Consider investing in a home safe for particularly valuable items, as recommended by sources like the FBI's own crime prevention tips.
Kangaroo Solution: While keeping valuables hidden is your first line of defense, having Indoor Security Cameras can capture footage if someone does gain entry, which can be crucial for identification and insurance purposes.
Key Takeaways: Your Quick Home Security Checklist
Feeling like you have a lot to remember? We've got you covered. Here’s a quick checklist to help you immediately make your home less appealing to burglars, based on what they look for:
[ ] Lock Up Tightly: Systematically double-check all doors (front, back, garage, patio) and windows. Are your deadbolts engaged?
[ ] Create an "Occupied" Illusion: Use timers for lights, radios, or TVs. Ensure mail and packages are collected promptly if you're away.
[ ] Be Visibly Secure (and Proud!): Ensure your security cameras are visible. Prominently display your Kangaroo alarm signs and window stickers.
[ ] Light It Up & Trim It Down: Check your exterior lighting. Are there dark spots? Trim overgrown bushes and trees that could offer concealment.
[ ] Conceal Your Valuables: Do a quick scan from outside your windows. Are any high-value items like laptops, tablets, or expensive décor easily visible? Relocate them.
Making these simple checks part of your routine can significantly harden your home against potential threats.
Secure Your Peace of Mind with Kangaroo
Understanding a burglar's mindset is key to preventing a break-in. By addressing these five common observations, you significantly reduce your home's appeal as a target.
At Kangaroo, we believe effective home security should be accessible and affordable for everyone. From individual sensors and cameras to complete home security kits, we provide simple, smart solutions that empower you to protect what matters most.
Ready to make your home a less attractive target? Explore Kangaroo's full range of home security solutions and take the first step towards a safer, more secure home today. Don't wait until it's too late to think like a burglar – and outsmart them.
