The Psychology Behind Burglary and Home Security

There’s nothing worse than arriving home to find it’s been broken into, or even more distressing, experiencing it while you’re still inside. Burglars leave behind more than just a financial loss – they shatter your sense of safety.

However, most modern thieves aren’t targeting your vintage china cabinet; they’re after what’s portable, valuable, and easy to sell. Think jewellery, power tools, laptops, and gaming consoles. Fortunately, CCTV camera installation has become a major game-changer in protecting your home and deterring intruders. Let’s take a closer look at the common types of burglars and how you can outsmart them.

The Professional Burglar

These burglars are the types you see depicted in films – well-planned, meticulous, and selective. They often target high-end properties or people known to own expensive items such as luxury watches, designer jewellery, and even rare collectibles.

To effectively deter this type of burglar, it’s important to have visible CCTV surveillance positioned at key access points around your property, such as front doors, driveways, and rear entrances. This sends a clear message that your home is monitored and any attempted break-in will be recorded.

Even with CCTV, you should still lock all windows and doors, invest in tamper-proof locks, and make sure no ladders or tools are left outside that could assist an intruder. If you own high-value items, additional security such as security safes, alarms, motion detection, and comprehensive insurance is also a smart investment.

The Opportunistic Burglar

Opportunistic burglars are the most common of the three types and typically act on impulse, striking when they come across an easy target rather than spending time planning their moves. These burglars simply scan for easy opportunities, such as slightly open windows, unlocked back doors, or unattended garages. Even something as simple as power tools left on the driveway or parcels sitting visibly at the front door can be enough to tempt them into action.

To stop an opportunist in their tracks, you need to make your home appear uninviting. A good start is to install sensor lights that light up when motion is detected, and add CCTV cameras with app-based notifications so you’re alerted on your phone when motion is detected. Also, don’t forget to lock side gates, and avoid leaving anything valuable in plain view (both inside and outside your home). A bark from a dog, whether real or through an audio-enabled camera, can also be surprisingly effective.

The Brute Force Burglar

Rather than waiting for a window of opportunity, these burglars create one themselves, using force to enter your home if it appears to be unoccupied. They often target properties that show signs of vacancy, such as a lack of lighting at night, overflowing mailboxes, or bins left out for several days.

Preventing this kind of break-in starts with making your home appear lived in, even when it’s empty. For example:

•  Use smart lighting systems that switch lights on and off at intervals.
•  Ask a neighbour to collect mail regularly.
• Install home security doors on all external entry points.
• Add CCTV cameras with motion detection and two-way audio.

Stay One Step Ahead with Smart Home Security

Whether you’re dealing with a seasoned professional or someone simply trying their luck, smart lighting, reinforced doors, and well-placed CCTV cameras can make all the difference. With today’s technology, you don’t just get to see what’s happening – you can intervene in real-time and ensure your home is always one step ahead of the burglars.