Take steps to make burglars skip your house entirely

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Published Date 10/3/2025

Did you know that every 25.7 seconds, another American home gets burglarized? Thieves steal more than $700 billion worth of goods annually, while only $89.5 billion actually gets recovered. Stats that paint a sobering picture include burglary and trespass incidents, motor vehicle thefts, and the theft of other household items. Summer months are prime time, making home security crucial whether you're planning staycations or tropical getaways.

Chubb Insurance Lina Marunas emphasized that some of the simple deterrents can often prove effective. Modern smartphone-connected security systems, video doorbells, and cameras provide affordable monitoring options that can alert homeowners or central stations instantly.

The basics still matter most, however. Locking doors, windows, and cars prevent nearly 40 percent of break-ins, since burglars often simply test for unlocked entry points before moving on to easier targets. “An unlocked car with a garage door opener provides criminals access to both vehicles and homes, making this simple oversight doubly dangerous,” says Marunas. “Never leave house or car keys inside vehicles, and avoid hiding house keys in obvious places like doormats, in planters, on door frames, or in mailboxes where experienced thieves know to look.”

Put some light on the subject — or rather subjects — everywhere. Lighting creates powerful psychological barriers that make properties less attractive targets. Arrange for exterior lighting to operate on timers or motion activation. Interior lights on timers create the appearance of occupancy during absences, and quality doors and hardware with deadbolts provide essential physical barriers. Make sure heavy landscaping doesn’t obscure front doors, since visibility deters crime. Keep growth trimmed away from windows to eliminate hiding spots where burglars can work undetected.

Social media? Yup. All those warnings by overly-concerned parents can come true. Posting your travel plans or household schedules with anyone who doesn't need to know can easily backfire on you. Never post travel plans on social media. Have trusted neighbors collect mail and packages, and ask them to check on your house during absences, since accumulated deliveries signal empty homes.

On to cars. Between 2012 and 2021, non-fatal carjackings were more likely to occur at or near victims' homes 39% of the time, with 59% involving armed offenders and 38 percent specifically involving firearms. This highlights the importance of remaining vigilant even in familiar surroundings and maintaining awareness when arriving home or leaving vehicles.

It’s a bit surprising to note that most reported thefts occur during daylight hours when many people assume they're safer, challenging common assumptions about crime patterns and emphasizing the need for constant security awareness.

No. You don’t need to make your home into an impenetrable fortress. Just make it a less inviting target than others nearby. Criminals typically seek easy opportunities with minimal risk, so visible security measures, maintained properties, and signs of occupancy encourage them to look elsewhere.

Chubb, TBWS

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NEXA Mortgage, LLC (NMLS #1660690) is an equal Housing Lender - 3100 W Ray Rd 201, Suite 209, Chandler, AZ 85226 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)

Scott Moon

Home Loan Advisor

NMLS: 1492315

NEXA Mortgage

3100 W Ray Rd Suite 201 Office 209, Chandler AZ 85226

Company NMLS: #1660690

Office: 202-352-5625

Cell: 202-352-5625

Email: smoon@nexamortgage.com

Web: http://www.scottmoon.us