Burglary Statistics
By: Sean Hattaway
A burglary is considered an unlawful or forcible entry of
a residence. In recent years, home burglaries accounted for almost 70 percent
of all burglaries. Burglary statistics show that on average, one out of every
six homes will be burglarized this year. Interestingly, most break-ins occurred
during the daytime, between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm, when most people
are at work and children are in school.
Statistics also show that having a home security system in place reduces
the risk of a break-in. Almost all alarm owners are satisfied with their
systems and feel secure with them. Homes without security systems are almost
three times more likely to have a break-in attempt on them. However, there
have been cases where the alarm systems haven’t always been turned on and
thus, a burglary that could have been prevented wasn’t. The alarm system
however, is merely a tool in the overall security system in your home.
Many times, a burglar will case a neighborhood to see which houses have activity
during the day and which ones appear empty. Before making any attempt to
enter, they will usually knock to be sure that no one is home. The most common
point of entry for a thief is through the front door. Sometimes they make
their way in through an open window. In rare cases, the thief gains entry
through an unlocked door.
Contrary to popular belief, burglaries are not seasonal as some people assume.
They do not necessarily occur more in the summertime. Aside from minor increases
and decreases, the numbers remain the same all during the year. Estimated
losses due to burglary are $3.1 billion.
Regional burglary statistics show that the southern states lead the pack
in the highest number of reported burglaries at 42 percent. The West comes
in second with about 23 percent and the Midwest 21 percent. Interestingly,
the northeast reported the fewest amount of burglaries at approximately 14
percent.
Forcible entry is responsible for 65 percent of all burglaries. Forcible
entry is use of any kind of force to gain entry into a residence for the
purpose of committing a theft. 28 percent of all burglaries were by unlawful
entry which is entry without the use of force, such as through an open window
or door. The remainder is attempted forcible entry at 7 percent, where a
burglar was either interrupted or scared off.
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