Property crime is one of the most common types of crimes that occur in the U.S. When people think of property crimes, burglary is usually what comes to mind. Luckily, some steps can prevent the likelihood of burglary and protect your home and valuables. Knowing the facts about theft can also help homeowners make smarter decisions.
4 Burglary Facts
1. A burglary occurs once every 25.7 seconds. (Source)
Property crimes, in general, occur every 4.4 seconds. 1.4 million homes were broken into in 2019, highlighting what a common crime this is.
2. On average, people lose $2,661 from burglary. (Source)
The financial toll from burglary is painful, but so is the psychological impact of a home invasion or vandalism. To make matters worse, many people who have been robbed say they lost items that are sentimental and irreplaceable.
3. Most burglaries are committed by people who live near the victim. (Source)
Studies show that burglars often live within two miles of their target properties. They get to know homeowners’ routines to strike when the owners aren’t around and the property is vulnerable. They look for signs like un-mowed lawns and no lights on at night.
4. Property crimes are most common in Memphis, Tennessee. (Source)
Studies show that areas that are hot spots for property crime often have high poverty, overcrowding, and a lack of affordable housing. Awareness of community crime rates can also help homeowners take the proper precautions.
