How Burglars Case Houses: 3 Things You Need To Know
Understanding how burglars select targets helps you eliminate vulnerabilities before they strike.
Burglaries aren't random. Professional thieves systematically evaluate properties before striking, looking for specific vulnerabilities that make break-ins easier and faster. This guide reveals the three critical factors burglars assess when casing Perth homes—and how to eliminate each one.
⚠️ Burglar Surveillance is Real
67% of burglars case properties 1-7 days before breaking in. They watch your routines, test vulnerabilities, and strike when conditions are perfect. Your home may be under surveillance right now.
1. Easy Access to Entry and Exit Points
Burglars prioritize speed. The faster they can enter, grab valuables, and escape, the lower their risk of getting caught. They specifically look for:
Vulnerable Entry Points Burglars Target
- Unsecured side gates: Provides hidden access to backyards away from street visibility
- Unlocked windows: Ground-floor windows, especially hidden by bushes or fences
- Weak door locks: Cheap deadbolts, sliding door locks that can be lifted off tracks
- Pet doors: Large enough for slim burglars to squeeze through or reach locks
- Hidden back doors: Rear entries obscured from neighbors and street view
- Garage access: Unlocked internal doors from garage to house (very common in Perth)
✅ How to Eliminate This Vulnerability
- Install high-security deadbolts on all external doors (minimum Grade 2 rating)
- Lock side gates with padlocks or keyed gate locks (prevent backyard access)
- Secure sliding doors with security bars or foot locks (can't be lifted off tracks)
- Window locks on all ground-floor windows (keyed locks prevent opening)
- Remove pet doors or install lockable covers when away
- Trim bushes near windows/doors (eliminate hiding spots, improve visibility)
- Install CCTV at all entry points (major deterrent—burglars avoid recorded entries)
2. Obvious Signs of Vacancy
Burglars watch your property to identify when you're away. Empty homes are 3x more likely to be burgled than occupied ones. They look for:
Signs That Scream "Nobody's Home"
- Mail piling up in mailbox: Clear sign of multi-day absence
- Packages left on doorstep: Shows nobody's collecting deliveries
- No lights on at night: Dark houses for multiple consecutive nights
- Same car positions for days: Cars that don't move indicate vacation/travel
- Overgrown lawns/gardens: Lack of maintenance suggests extended absence
- Closed blinds/curtains for days: Never opened indicates nobody home
- No movement inside: Burglars watch for shadows, TV flicker, movement
✅ How to Create "Lived-In" Appearance
- Smart lighting timers: Automatically turn lights on/off in random patterns (not same time daily)
- Hold mail at Australia Post: Or have neighbor collect daily
- Redirect packages: Hold deliveries or ship to trusted neighbor/family
- Lawn maintenance: Arrange mowing/gardening while away
- Car in driveway: Have someone park their car in your driveway
- Social media silence: NEVER post vacation photos until you return (burglars monitor Facebook)
- TV simulators: Devices that mimic TV flicker visible from windows
- Smart home automation: Control lights, blinds, TV remotely via smartphone
🚨 Social Media Warning
Don't advertise your absence! Posting "Two weeks in Bali!" with geotagged photos tells burglars exactly when your Perth home is empty. Wait until you return to share vacation photos.
3. Absence of Security Systems
Burglars actively avoid homes with visible security. 60% of burglars skip properties with alarm systems or CCTV cameras. They look for:
What Burglars Check Before Breaking In
- No alarm siren boxes: Visible external sirens are major deterrents
- No security cameras: Lack of CCTV means no video evidence
- No alarm company stickers: Windows without monitoring decals suggest no system
- No motion-sensor lights: Dark properties are easier to approach undetected
- No security screen doors: Standard doors are easier to kick/pry open
- No beware of dog signs: Dogs alert homeowners and attract attention
✅ How to Show Visible Security
- Install prominent alarm siren box: Front-facing, highly visible (even if no alarm yet—fake boxes deter 40%)
- Visible CCTV cameras: Front door, driveway cameras burglars can see from street
- Alarm monitoring stickers: Place on windows, doors (indicate professional monitoring)
- Motion-activated lights: Front, side, back entries automatically illuminate
- Security screen doors/windows: Stainless steel mesh highly visible and burglar-resistant
- "Property Protected by..." signs: Lawn signs indicating alarm + CCTV
- Beware of Dog signs: Even without a dog (psychological deterrent)
How Burglars Actually Case Your Property
Common Casing Techniques
1. Fake Door-Knocking
Burglars pose as salespeople, charity workers, or surveyors. They knock to see if anyone's home, peer through windows, and assess security while pretending to sell something. Never let strangers see inside your home.
2. Slow Drive-Bys
Burglars drive past repeatedly at different times, noting your patterns: when you leave for work, when you return, when lights go off. Multiple slow drive-bys over 3-7 days build a complete routine profile.
3. Social Media Monitoring
Burglars search Facebook, Instagram for vacation posts, check-ins, and home photos that reveal valuables, security systems (or lack thereof), and when you're away. Set all social profiles to private.
4. Neighborhood Reconnaissance
Burglars walk through neighborhoods appearing to jog, walk dogs, or exercise. They identify properties with visible vulnerabilities, note neighbor schedules, and find streets with poor surveillance.
Perth Burglary Statistics & High-Risk Areas
Perth Suburbs with Higher Burglary Rates
Properties in these suburbs should prioritize comprehensive security:
What To Do If You Suspect Casing
- Document suspicious activity: Note vehicle descriptions, license plates, times, descriptions
- Install security cameras immediately: Capture evidence of casing attempts
- Report to WA Police: Call 131 444 for suspicious persons/vehicles
- Alert neighbors: Community awareness prevents neighborhood-wide targeting
- Vary your routine: Don't leave/return at exact same times daily
- Upgrade security NOW: Don't wait for break-in before installing alarms/CCTV
Eliminate Vulnerabilities Burglars Target
Great White Security provides comprehensive Perth home security assessments. We identify exactly what burglars look for when casing your property and eliminate every vulnerability with professional CCTV, alarms, and physical security upgrades.