Back for Seconds: Keep Burglars from Robbing Your House a Second Time

If your home is robbed, there’s a good chance the burglars will be back. In 2015, there were more than 1.5 million burglaries in the United States, according to the FBI. But the number of homes burglarized annually is significantly lower than the number of burglaries per year, indicating that many homes are robbed more than once. This means if your home has been burglarized once, you should take extra security measures to prevent becoming a victim a second time. Here are some things you need to know about why burglars break in twice, along with some tips on how to keep yourself from becoming a repeat victim.

Why Burglars Return to the Scene of the Crime

Burglars return to the same house multiple times, according to criminologist Larry Siegel. Once a burglar succeeds at robbing your home, they know what kind of security measures you have in place, making them feel more confident that they can rob you again. They know how to get in and out of your house. They know the layout of your house and where you hide your valuables. They may have been unable to carry some of your valuables out during their first burglary, and had already planned on returning to get goods they had to leave behind. They assume that you’re likely to replace items they stole the first time, such as televisions, making it possible for them to steal the replacements as well. Finally, it takes less effort to break into a home they’ve already figured out how to break into. Together all these reasons add up to a compelling motivation for thieves to return to your house a second time.

Keeping Thieves Out

Thieves prefer to rob you when you’re not home, so looking like you’re home can help deter would-be burglars. Keeping a car in your driveway and keeping a radio or TV on to make noise are the best ways to make it appear that you’re home, according to interviews with convicted burglars. While many advise keeping a light on, having your lights on all the time with your blinds drawn can actually raise thieves’ suspicion that you’re only leaving a light on because you’re not home. If you do use a light as a deterrent, have it set on a timer to go on and off at random intervals to make it look more like you’re home.

Thieves don’t like security cameras, so having a visible security camera system installed where burglars see they’re being photographed can be a deterrent. Another good deterrent is a loud, barking dog. However, a small dog doesn’t bother most thieves.

Most thieves enter through an open door or window. Keeping your doors and windows locked or securing them with bars will make it harder for thieves to break in. Setting up an alarm to go off when someone attempts unauthorized entry will scare most burglars away.

What to Do If Thieves Get In

When thieves break in, they usually go the master bedroom first and begin searching, knowing that most people hide their valuables there. Keeping your valuables in a safe is a better way to protect them than hiding them in obvious places such as drawers, closets, mattresses and floorboards.

Nearly three out of 10 burglaries occur when someone is home, Bureau of Justice Statistics data shows. This can often lead to violent crimes, including battery, rape, and murder. Have 911 on speed dial so you can summon help fast. Having a concealed carry license and storing weapons around your home can protect you if you need to defend yourself. If you keep your weapon in a safe, opt for one that’s quick access so it’s easy to grab it in an emergency like this. Know how to use everyday items around your home as improvised weapons. You’d be surprised how many potential clubs and throwing weapons are within reach if you look.

If the thief gets away, your camera system can help serve to identify them. Catching them is the best way to make sure they don’t return a second time.

Read more: A False Sense of Security: 4 Common Home Security Mistakes to Avoid