A security expert has outlined several factors that burglars commonly look for when selecting a house to rob. The advice, shared by Florida-based content creator Robin, who identifies as a Royal Marine and uses the TikTok handle @dutchintheusa, highlights specific vulnerabilities that can make a property more attractive to potential intruders.
Visible Deterrents
One of the primary indicators burglars assess is the level of lighting around a property. Robin noted that homes with dark entrances and dimly lit exteriors are more appealing to criminals. He advises homeowners to ensure their property is well-lit, particularly near the front door and porch, as motion-activated lights can deter unwanted attention.
Another significant factor is the presence, or lack thereof, of visible security measures. Burglars tend to avoid homes that clearly display security cameras or warning signs indicating an active alarm system. The expert suggested that the presence of such systems can make them feel exposed and increase the risk of being caught.
Property Characteristics
The presence of dogs is also mentioned as a deterrent. Robin indicated that burglars often target homes without dogs, as some canines are trained to alert owners to intruders. The expert also pointed to overgrown vegetation as a potential risk, as dense shrubbery can provide hiding places for individuals attempting to break into a home. He recommended keeping plants trimmed to maintain clear sightlines to entry points and suggested planting thorny bushes beneath windows to discourage close approaches.
Signs of Absence
Furthermore, burglars may look for signs that a property is unoccupied for extended periods. Indicators such as accumulated packages, overflowing mailboxes, and empty driveways over several days can signal an absence. To counter this, Robin suggests arranging package deliveries, placing mail holds when away, and using timed lights or occasionally starting a car to simulate normal activity.
Additional Precautions
Beyond these specific factors, the expert emphasized the importance of basic security measures. He urged homeowners to ensure all windows and doors are securely locked each night and to consider reinforcing doors with secondary locks or strike plates to present additional obstacles.
Online discussions have also seen individuals sharing their own observations and theories. Some users in the comments section of Robin's video suggested that displaying an American flag might deter burglars, based on the assumption that homeowners might be armed. Others mentioned the effectiveness of motion sensors that emit an audible alert, as well as infrared cameras, in deterring potential thieves. Advice was also shared about not storing valuables in easily accessible places like dresser drawers or under mattresses.