Home Burglary Statistics: 11 Stats Every Homeowner Should Know in 2024

Home burglaries continue to be a concern for U.S. homeowners, despite an overall decline in crime rates. Based on the FBI’s 2023 burglary statistics, here are 11 key burglary statistics every homeowner should know, including surprising data about daytime break-ins, the rise of smart security systems, and how unforced entries make up over a third of all burglaries. Stay informed on current trends and learn how to better protect your home from potential threats.

Home burglaries are a significant concern for homeowners across the U.S. In 2023, residential burglaries represented 52.8% of all burglary offenses.

As burglary tactics evolve, it’s vital to stay updated on current trends and data. Specific statistics reveal some surprising insights that can help homeowners take the necessary precautions to protect their homes.

The FBI recently released their crime data for 2023, shedding light on the nature and frequency of home burglaries. Here are 11 key burglary statistics that every homeowner should know.

1. Burglaries have declined by 18% since 2020.

In 2023, burglaries were down by 7.6% compared to the previous year, and a full 18.3% since 2020. This decline can be attributed in part to more effective security measures and neighborhood watch programs.

However, while overall rates are decreasing, it doesn’t mean your home is immune to a break-in. There were still 839,563 reported cases last year, representing 13.1% of all property crimes.

Takeaway: While fewer burglaries are happening overall, it’s still important to be prepared. Investing in modern security systems and being vigilant is still crucial.

2. Almost 30% of home break-ins happen during the day.

One common misconception is that burglaries always happen at night.

In 2023, statistics showed that more than 28% of home burglaries occurred during daylight hours, which is the highest of any category. As a point of comparison, 21% of commercial burglaries happened during daylight hours.

Some homes are specifically targeted for home break-ins during the day, when their residents are at work or school.

Interestingly, the highest number of reported burglary cases occurred between midnight and 12:59am in 2023, followed by noon and 12:59pm in second place, with 5pm and 5:59pm, 4pm and 4:59pm, and 8am and 8:59am rounding out the top five.

Takeaway: Make sure your home is secured during the day by installing visible deterrents like surveillance cameras, smart locks, and security systems that alert you to any suspicious activity.

3. Only 32% of homeowners use smart security systems.

Despite advances in technology, only 32% of U.S. homeowners — roughly 39 million households — are using smart home security systems in 2023. Experts predict smart security system demand will hit $8.2 billion within the next year.

Traditional alarm systems may not be as effective as homeowners think. Many police departments — including Seattle as of this month — now require verified alerts before responding to alarm calls, making it crucial for homeowners to upgrade to systems that provide real-time surveillance.

Takeaway: Consider investing in smart security systems that include cameras, two-way audio, and direct-to-police alerts. These systems provide more immediate responses to potential threats.

RELATED POST: Do Police Respond to Home Alarms?

4. Most home break-ins last less than 10 minutes.

In 2023, most burglaries lasted under 10 minutes. Criminals often know exactly what they’re looking for and how to get it. This short window of time underscores the necessity of having fast-responding security systems in place.

Unfortunately, many home alarm systems may not respond in time to prevent a successful burglary. Alarm response times can vary from company to company, and the average response time can take several minutes.

Takeaway: To protect your home, ensure you have a security system that can alert you or the authorities as soon as a break-in is detected. Every second counts.

5. 37.5% of burglaries are committed without forced entry.

Shockingly, 37.5% of burglars in 2023 gained access to homes without attempting forcible entry, known as ‘unlawful entry’.

Unlocked doors, windows, or garages are common entry points for home break-ins.

Takeaway: Always lock doors and windows, even if you’re only leaving your home for a brief time. Consider using smart locks that automatically secure your home when you leave.

6. Homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be targeted.

Homes without any form of security system are a prime target for burglary.

In 2023, homes lacking a security system were 300% more likely to be broken into than those with one. This stat alone highlights the pivotal nature of having at least basic security measures in place.

Consider this: 83% of would-be thieves look for a security system first. 60% of convicted burglars admit that they move on to target a different property when they discover one. Nearly half would immediately leave if they found or triggered security measures during a break-in.

Takeaway: Investing in a home security system drastically reduces your chances of becoming a burglary victim. Even something as simple as installing visible cameras, alarm systems, stickers, and lawn signs can deter criminals.

7. June, July, and August are the peak months for burglaries.

Summer months continued to be peak times for home burglaries in 2023. This increase is likely due to homeowners going on vacation, leaving their homes unattended for extended periods.

More burglaries happened in June than any other month, accounting for 11.3% of all reported cases, according to a Safewise survey.

Takeaway: If you’re planning a summer vacation, take extra steps to secure your home. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your property, and avoid announcing your travel plans on social media.

8. Police response to home alarms has decreased.

In 2023, many police departments — including those in major cities like San Francisco, Detroit, and Las Vegas — no longer respond to home alarms unless they are verified. This is because up to 95% of alarms are false, leading to wasted resources.

For homeowners, this means traditional alarm systems without verification methods like cameras or direct monitoring are becoming less effective.

Takeaway: Ensure your security system includes video verification or uses a professional monitoring service. These solutions ensure that authorities respond more quickly in the event of a real emergency.

9. Homes in urban areas are almost three times as likely to be targeted.

Homes in urban areas are nearly three times as likely to be burglarized compared to rural homes. This is likely due to higher population density and busy nature of cities.

However, rural homes still face risks, especially if they are isolated. The burglary rate per 100,000 residents tends to get higher as the location gets smallerA. Consider:

• Seattle leads the country for burglary rate amongst large cities at 1,201 per 100,000 residents, followed by Memphis at 964, and Albuquerque at 813.
• Medium cities? Tulsa (875), Lubbock (856), and Cleveland (826) are the top three.
• Amongst small cities, Baton Rouge, Louisiana leads the way at 1,414, with Pueblo, Colorado coming in second at 1,186, and Kent, Washington in the third spot at 1,161.
• Finally, amongst very small cities or towns, Beeville, Texas led the way with 3,134 per 100,000 residents, followed by Lumberton, North Carolina with 3,003, and Commerce, California at 2,070.

Takeaway: Urban homeowners should be extra cautious and invest in robust security systems. Meanwhile, rural homeowners shouldn’t overlook the importance of safeguarding their properties, even with the distance from neighbors or law enforcement.

10. The average home burglary loss is $2,661.

The average loss per home burglary in 2023 amounted to $2,661, according to the FBI.

This figure includes stolen property, property damage, and sometimes personal injury or trauma.

While some may think insurance covers everything, the inconvenience and emotional toll of a burglary often aren’t accounted for when considering the fallout.

Takeaway: Even though you may have homeowner’s insurance, preventing a burglary should be a top priority. It’s not just about losing money; it’s also about the chaos and safety issues that come with a break-in.

11. The motor vehicle theft rate increased by 12.6%.

Motor vehicle theft is one of the few crimes that has seen a significant increase in 2023. In fact, the rate has gone up by 12.6% compared to 2022.

While many other property crimes have been on the decline, vehicle thefts have bucked the trend, making it essential for homeowners to take extra precautions to protect their cars.

Takeaway: Whether you park in your driveway or garage, investing in additional security measures like motion-activated cameras or steering wheel locks can help reduce the risk of becoming a target.

The most important takeaway: Homeowners should take precautions to protect their home from burglary.

As these 2023 burglary statistics have shown, the nature of home burglary is continuing to evolve. As more homeowners invest in traditional security measures like basic alarm systems, more criminals find ways to evade them.

The good news is homeowners can take proactive measures to protect their properties. From investing in smart security systems to locking doors and windows consistently, these actions significantly reduce the likelihood of a break-in.

Staying informed about the latest burglary trends is crucial. With this knowledge, homeowners can make better decisions to keep their families and homes safe.

The best way to prevent burglary: Security cameras that combine AI-powered tech and human surveillance.

AI-powered cameras with monitored surveillance have been proven to effectively prevent crime. Deep Sentinel stands out as the only security technology offering the experience of a personal guard for both homes and businesses.

Want a solution that truly prevents crime? Contact us today for a free quote and discover how Deep Sentinel’s AI-powered security can protect your property.

Visit deepsentinel.com or call 833-479-1833.