Burglary and robberies have victimized a lot of Americans throughout the years and in fact, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reported that there were an estimated 1.4 million burglaries in 2017.

A personal injury lawyer VA Beach may define burglary as the forced or unlawful entry of a structure to commit theft or a felony. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR), it refers to structures as anything that constitutes a house, apartment, barn, house trailer, houseboat, and anything that is used as a permanent dwelling unit. 

It can also include railroad cars, offices, stable or a vessel such as a ship.

Statistics on burglaries

Burglaries made up 18.2% of all property crimes in the US last year, with estimated losses amounting to $3.4 billion with most of the burglaries- around 67.2%- taking place in residential properties.

Apartment units are more likely- an estimated 85%- to be the target of a burglary attack compared to single-family housing units or residential property. It’s also not a one-off thing, as statistics have shown that once a home has been burglarized, it is 12 times more likely to occur in the future.

A 0 can attest to the fact that most burglaries have reportedly been committed during daytime when most residents are away for school or work.

How to avoid burglaries

 

Burglaries are preventable. One of the main reasons why a house is susceptible to burglars is because it has been observed to be easily penetrable and vulnerable.

Here are some helpful and practical tips from any personal injury law firm Virginia Beach that could help prevent burglaries and personal injury to homeowners in case of a break-in.

Install a security system at home. Studies have found that 83% of burglars will not rob a home when they see an alarm system or an alarm company sign on the door or window.

Always make sure to have your doors and windows locked securely and properly. 

Make sure to hide your valuables well. Burglars always make sure to go for valuables first when they enter a house, which includes cash, guns, jewelry, or other precious and expensive items.

Take caution in letting people enter your home, especially strangers or new acquaintances. Copying keys are simple, so installing RFID locks on your doors could be a good way to strengthen your security options.

Avoid hiding keys outside your homes, such as under a rug, flower pot, or a rock. 

Make sure to trim the bushes which can help provide more visibility with your neighbors as to who gets in or out of your property. 

Never allow mail or newspapers to pile up. These are indicators that burglars look for to check if there are people at home or away.

Always close your curtains or blinds so that you avoid displaying the insides of your house to potential burglars or thieves.