Burglary is a crime that violates the sense of safety and security that people feel in their own homes. Understanding when burglaries are most likely to happen can help homeowners take steps to prevent becoming victims of this crime.
When are most home burglaries likely to occur?
Research shows that most home burglaries occur during the daytime when homes are unoccupied. According to FBI statistics, over 60% of burglaries happen during the day between 6am and 6pm. The hours between 10am and 3pm tend to have the highest rates of burglaries. This is because most people are away at work or school during these hours, leaving their homes empty and vulnerable to break-ins. Burglars prefer to target homes when residents are out to lower the risk of getting caught.
Late night and early morning hours between 10pm and 5am also see an increase in break-ins, though not as many as daylight hours. About 24% of burglaries occur during the night when most people are asleep. Burglars take advantage of the cover of darkness and strike when households are less alert.
In summary:
- Over 60% of burglaries occur between 6am – 6pm
- 10am – 3pm sees the highest rate of break-ins
- 24% of burglaries happen at night between 10pm – 5am
Weekday vs weekend burglaries
Looking at burglary patterns during the week, there is a clear spike on weekdays when more homes are empty during work hours. Approximately 70% of break-ins happen from Monday to Friday. Fridays see a slightly higher number than other weekdays.
Weekends have lower burglary rates, with only 30% occurring on Saturdays and Sundays. There are more people home on weekends, deterring burglars. However, Saturday afternoons can still be a risky time if residents go out and leave homes unattended.
| Day | Burglary Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday | 15% |
| Tuesday | 15% |
| Wednesday | 15% |
| Thursday | 14% |
| Friday | 16% |
| Saturday | 12% |
| Sunday | 8% |
Friday is the most active burglary day, followed by Mondays. Sundays have the lowest number of break-ins.
Seasonal trends
Burglary rates also fluctuate depending on the time of year:
- Summer – The highest number of burglaries happen during summer months when more people take vacations and are out of town for extended periods. Longer daylight hours also provide more opportunity for break-ins.
- Spring – As the weather warms in spring, burglary rates start to climb. People begin spending more time away from home.
- Fall – Burglaries decline a bit in the fall as days get shorter. However, rates are still higher than winter.
- Winter – The winter season sees the lowest burglary rates all year. With fewer daylight hours and more people staying home, there are reduced opportunities for break-ins.
In summary, the risk of burglary increases during warmer months when homes are more likely to be vacant and accessible to burglars.
Urban vs suburban vs rural areas
Population density also impacts burglary rates in different types of communities:
- Urban areas – Major cities see the highest rates of burglaries, almost double the national average. High-density housing, apartment buildings, and proximity of homes create more opportunities for burglars. Cities allow them to easily move between targets while drawing less attention.
- Suburban areas – The expansive nature of suburbia makes this environment moderately vulnerable to break-ins. Homes may still be empty during the day but further apart than urban areas. Suburban burglary rates are close to the national average.
- Rural areas – Sparsely populated rural towns and remote countryside have the lowest burglary rates. However, vacant vacation homes may still be targeted. Overall, there are fewer homes close together for burglars to victimize.
Burglars gravitate toward denser neighborhoods where they can access more potential targets quickly and with less visibility. Rural areas offer less opportunity.
Home characteristics targeted
Beyond location and timing, burglars also select targets based on certain home features and indications that possessions of value may be inside:
- Houses with easy access – homes with unlocked doors or windows, no alarm system or video surveillance, or lack of lighting draw burglars.
- Signs of affluence – upscale homes and cars in the driveway signal wealth. Burglars are looking for money, jewelry, electronics, guns, and drugs to steal and sell.
- No occupancy – mail piling up, overgrown lawns, and other signs a home is unoccupied make it more likely to get hit.
- Cover from view – burglars look for cover like high fences and overgrown bushes to conceal break-ins.
Homes that indicate wealth, lack security protection, have no occupants, and offer privacy from public view are most at risk of being targeted in a burglary.
Deterring burglars
Knowing the typical burglary timeline, homeowners can take some simple security measures to reduce their chances of being victimized:
- Lock all doors and windows, even when at home
- Install an alarm system and security cameras
- Keep trees, bushes, and fences trimmed to remove hiding spots
- Leave a radio or TV on and lights powered when away
- Stop mail/newspaper or ask a neighbor to collect when traveling
- Keep valuables and cash in a hidden locked safe
Being vigilant about home security day and night is key. But paying particular attention during high-risk daytime hours when burglaries spike is vital to keeping a home protected.
Conclusion
In summary, the peak times for burglaries to occur are weekday daylight hours between 10am to 3pm when homes are mostly vacant. Summertime also sees higher break-in rates when families take vacations. Urban areas provide more cover and opportunities for thieves compared to rural areas. Homeowners can reduce chances of being targeted by always locking up, installing alarms, and keeping the visible signs of occupancy year-round.