Most burglaries aren’t sophisticated operations — they’re crimes of opportunity. A UNC Charlotte study of 422 convicted burglars found that 83% checked for an alarm system before breaking in, and 60% said they’d skip a home entirely if one was present. The FBI reports the average burglary takes just 8–12 minutes, with 34% of intruders entering through the unlocked front door.
These 12 mistakes are the most common reasons homes become easy targets — and every single one has a fix.
The 12 Mistakes at a Glance
| # | Mistake | Risk Level | Fix Cost | Fix Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | No security system at all | 🔴 Critical | $0–$199 | 15 min |
| 2 | Weak entry points (doors/frames) | 🔴 Critical | $15–$120 | 30 min |
| 3 | No exterior lighting | 🟡 High | $15–$60 | 20 min |
| 4 | Advertising your absence | 🟡 High | $0 | 0 min |
| 5 | Ignoring windows | 🟡 High | $15–$50/window | 10 min each |
| 6 | No cameras at key entry points | 🟡 High | $35–$170 | 15 min |
| 7 | Hiding keys outside | 🟠 Medium | $50–$250 | 15 min |
| 8 | Neglecting the garage | 🟠 Medium | $30–$80 | 15 min |
| 9 | Outdated or unmonitored system | 🟠 Medium | $0–$20/mo | 10 min |
| 10 | No glass break protection | 🟠 Medium | $30–$65 | 5 min |
| 11 | Overgrown landscaping | 🟡 High | $0–$50 | 1–2 hours |
| 12 | Not using your system | 🔴 Critical | $0 | 0 min |
Mistake #1: No Security System at All
The data: Homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be burglarized (FBI UCR data). The UNC Charlotte study found that security systems were the #1 deterrent — more effective than dogs, lighting, or cameras alone.
| Deterrent | % Burglars Deterred | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Visible alarm system | 83% | UNC Charlotte (2012) |
| CCTV/cameras | 60% | UNC Charlotte (2012) |
| Dog (any size) | 34% | Various studies |
| Outdoor lighting | 24% | FBI data analysis |
| Deadbolt lock | N/A (physical barrier) | — |
The fix: Modern DIY systems start at $199 with no monthly fee required. Abode offers free self-monitoring, SimpliSafe starts at $199, and Ring kits start at $199. There’s no budget excuse anymore.
Mistake #2: Weak Entry Points
The data: 34% of burglars enter through the front door, 22% through the back door, and 23% through first-floor windows. The majority use brute force, not lockpicking — a standard door frame splits in one kick.
| Entry Point | % of Burglaries | Fix | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front door | 34% | 3″ screws in strike plate + Grade 1 deadbolt | $15–$120 |
| Back door | 22% | Same + door reinforcement plate | $30–$150 |
| First-floor windows | 23% | Window sensors + security film | $15–$80 |
| Garage | 9% | Garage controller + sensor | $30–$80 |
| Second floor | 4% | Window sensors (lower priority) | $15/ea |
| Basement | 8% | Window bars or sensors | $20–$100 |
The cheapest, most impactful fix: Replace your strike plate screws with 3-inch screws ($3) and add a Grade 1 deadbolt ($50–$120). This alone stops most kick-in attempts.
Mistake #3: No Exterior Lighting
Burglars prefer darkness. FBI data shows burglaries peak between 10 AM and 3 PM (when you’re at work), but nighttime burglaries are more dangerous because someone may be home.
Priority lighting locations:
- Front door and porch — motion-activated floodlight
- Back door and yard — solar or hardwired motion light
- Side gates and dark corners — solar path lights
- Garage and driveway — dusk-to-dawn + motion combo
Best value: A $20 solar motion light covers a dark side yard. Best upgrade: Ring Floodlight Cam ($249) combines lighting + camera + siren.
Mistake #4: Advertising Your Absence
Social media vacation posts, accumulated packages, overflowing mail, and dark houses at night all signal “nobody’s home.”
| Signal | What Burglars See | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Social media vacation posts | “Empty house for 2 weeks” | Post after you return, not during |
| Packages on porch 8+ hours | “Nobody home during the day” | Delivery locker, neighbor pickup, camera |
| Overflowing mailbox | “Gone for days” | USPS mail hold, ask neighbor |
| Dark house every night | “Predictable absence” | Smart plugs + randomized timers ($10) |
| Trash cans out days after pickup | “Not paying attention” | Ask neighbor to manage |
| No car in driveway | “At work” | Vary routine, park in garage |
See our holiday security guide for a full vacation checklist.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Windows
23% of burglaries use windows — and most homeowners only protect doors. Ground-floor windows, especially those hidden by bushes or fences, are prime targets.
Layered window protection:
- Window contact sensors ($15 each) — detect opening
- Glass break sensors ($30–$65) — detect smashing without opening
- Security window film ($6–$15/sqft) — holds glass together when shattered
- Window locks and pins ($5 each) — prevent sliding open
Mistake #6: No Cameras at Key Entry Points
Cameras serve two purposes: deterrence (60% of burglars avoid them) and evidence. But placement matters more than camera count.
| Priority | Location | Camera Type | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Front door | Video doorbell | 34% of entries + package theft |
| 2 | Back door | Outdoor camera | 22% of entries, often hidden |
| 3 | Driveway/garage | Outdoor camera | Vehicle theft, approach detection |
| 4 | Side gate | Outdoor camera | Blind spot access |
| 5 | Main living area | Indoor camera | Evidence if system is bypassed |
Start with positions 1–2 ($35–$170 total with Abode Cam 2 at $35/ea), then expand.
Mistake #7: Hiding Keys Outside
Under the mat, above the door frame, inside a fake rock, in the mailbox — burglars know every hiding spot. A UNC Charlotte study found burglars routinely check these locations.
Better alternatives:
- Smart lock with keypad ($150–$300) — unique codes for family, guests, cleaners
- Combination lockbox mounted out of sight ($20–$40)
- Key with trusted neighbor
- Abode with geofencing — auto-unlock when you arrive
Mistake #8: Neglecting the Garage
9% of burglaries enter through the garage — and many people leave the interior garage-to-house door unlocked. A garage door opener left in an unlocked car is another common vulnerability.
Fixes: Smart garage controller like myQ ($30) + deadbolt on the interior door + sensor on the garage door. Abode supports garage door sensors natively.
Mistake #9: Outdated or Unmonitored System
| Sign Your System Is Outdated | Risk | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Uses landline connection | Easily cut, carriers sunsetting copper | Switch to cellular system |
| No smartphone app | Can’t arm/disarm remotely | Modern DIY system ($199+) |
| Panel beeps but nobody responds | Zero deterrent value | Add monitoring ($0–$20/mo) |
| Sensors falling off walls | False alarms or no detection | Replace adhesive or full upgrade |
| Monthly bill over $40 | Overpaying for outdated tech | Upgrade guide |
See our 7 signs your alarm is outdated guide for the full checklist.
Mistake #10: No Glass Break Protection
Door/window contact sensors only detect opening. If a burglar smashes a window and climbs through without opening it, contact sensors won’t trigger. That’s what glass break sensors are for.
One glass break sensor can cover an entire room (15–25 ft radius). At $30–$65, it’s one of the cheapest and most effective additions to any system.
Mistake #11: Overgrown Landscaping
Large bushes next to windows create perfect hiding spots. The CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principle is simple: eliminate concealment.
- Trim bushes below window height (under 3 feet)
- Remove dense shrubs near entry points
- Use thorny plants (roses, holly, barberry) under windows as natural deterrents
- Ensure clear sightlines from the street to all doors
- Keep trees trimmed so they can’t be used to access second-floor windows
This fix costs $0 (DIY) to $50 (garden shears) and dramatically reduces your home’s attractiveness as a target.
Mistake #12: Not Actually Using Your System
The most expensive security system in the world is worthless if you don’t arm it. Studies show nearly 40% of alarm system owners don’t arm their system regularly.
Why it happens and fixes:
| Reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| “I forget” | Geofencing — auto-arms when you leave |
| “It’s annoying to disarm” | Smart lock + geofencing auto-disarm |
| “False alarms” | Adjust motion sensor sensitivity, add pet immunity |
| “I’m just going out briefly” | Set “away” mode — most break-ins take <12 minutes |
| “Only at night” | 65% of burglaries happen during daylight |
Abode‘s free multi-user geofencing is the best solution — the system arms and disarms automatically based on everyone’s location. No one has to remember.
The Complete Fix: What It Costs
| Priority | Fix | Cost | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Security system (Abode Smart Security Kit) | $199 | 🔴 Critical |
| 2 | 3″ strike plate screws + deadbolt | $15–$120 | 🔴 Critical |
| 3 | Motion-activated lights (x2) | $30–$60 | 🟡 High |
| 4 | Video doorbell or front camera | $35–$170 | 🟡 High |
| 5 | Window sensors (x4) | $60 | 🟡 High |
| 6 | Glass break sensor | $30–$65 | 🟠 Medium |
| 7 | Smart lock | $150–$300 | 🟠 Medium |
| Total | $519–$974 |
For under $1,000, you can fix every mistake on this list. Compare that to the average burglary loss of $2,661+ (plus hidden costs up to $15,000).
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the single most effective thing I can do to prevent a burglary?
Install a visible security system. The UNC Charlotte study of 422 convicted burglars found it was the #1 deterrent — 83% said they checked for alarm systems before targeting a home, and 60% would move to a different target if one was present. Abode starts at $199 with free self-monitoring.
Do “Beware of Dog” signs or fake security signs work?
Somewhat. Dogs deter about 34% of burglars, but experienced burglars look for actual evidence (bowls, toys, barking). Fake security signs have limited effect — burglars look for cameras and sensor blinking lights to verify. A real system with visible components is far more effective.
I rent — can I still fix these mistakes?
Yes. Renter-friendly systems like Abode, Ring, and SimpliSafe use adhesive mounting (no drilling). Smart locks, motion lights, and window sensors are all removable. See our apartment security guide for specifics.
What time do most burglaries happen?
Contrary to popular belief, 65% of burglaries happen between 6 AM and 6 PM — while you’re at work or running errands. That’s why geofencing (which auto-arms when you leave) is so effective.
How much does a home security system reduce burglary risk?
Homes with security systems are 60% less likely to be burglarized according to multiple studies. Insurance companies agree — most offer 5–20% discounts on homeowner’s insurance for monitored systems.
Which security system fixes the most mistakes on this list?
Abode addresses mistakes #1, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, and #12 out of the box — security system, window sensors, cameras, smart lock support, garage integration, modern cellular monitoring, glass break sensors, and geofencing auto-arming. Starting at $199 with free self-monitoring. Check current pricing →
William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
Tricia says
Seriously, the people who never make sure that their entrances are locked are the people who should probably be the best people to have a security system in place at their house. If you don’t take the measures to at least do the basics of security at home, then at least invest in a good security system. My gosh, these people drive me nuts!
Zach M. says
Having your cameras out of sight is the number 1 thing you should not do. Having your locks unlocked should be a no brainer, but not having your cameras in sight is generally a good idea. That plus your security sign on a window near your front door and a sign on your yard would be a great way to uninspire any would be burglers.
Sandra Kace says
I have similar sentiments. I have discussed this with my neighbor and asked him once why he chooses to hide his cameras. My neighbor has his cameras placed in a strategically hidden areas, and sensors are in place one someone breaks in. Although there is no proof on how effective this is as he has not faced any incident regarding break-ins but I think there are some strong points as to having cameras not placed in plain sight. Cameras placed in a plain sight can make the burglar analyze other points of entry or try to deactivate it somehow! Those are just some wild guesses of mine but that’s possible if you think about it.
Maholly says
Grammatically off the tracks.