Improve Home Security Systems By Understanding Today's Burglar

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We may all have a mental picture of what a burglar looks like. And perhaps that may be why there is so much surprise when a break-in occurs, because maybe we didn't see that person in our mental picture surveying the neighborhood. The truth is that today's burglar may look much different than you expect.

In fact, the very person who made off with your precious family heirlooms may be someone you see every day, or be someone else that doesn't stand out from the crowd at all. But one thing that's common among all burglars is the fact that they all have certain and similar characteristics.

A burglar profile released by the Iowa State University's Journal Of Forensic Science revealed many characteristics that could be considered surprising. Among them are the facts that most of today's burglars are:

- Of Caucasian descent and male
- Under 25 and non-violent
- Living less than two miles from their target homes
- Committing their crimes during the day

In addition to these facts is the fact that most residential burglars have committed other offences, but are considered to be amateurs.

Burglar Types, And Why They Steal
An amateur burglar who lives to steal as the result of an addiction to drugs or alcohol, or to pay outstanding debts has little left to lose. And this is what can make this type of burglar very dangerous. While your first instinct may be to surprise them from behind, this personality type is very likely to attack you and anyone else who should get in their way. When in the throes of withdrawal or fear, this kind of burglar will often be over-reactive and unpredictable, making it even more important to stand aside and cooperate with their demands.

It is a burglar with this kind of motivation that is most likely to strike a home that is easy to gain entry to. This can mean any home in any neighborhood. It can also mean residences where senior citizens live, as these targets are much less likely to be able to retaliate.

Professional burglars are well-prepared for many eventualities, which can make them particularly deadly. Not only can they enter a home or other structure virtually undetected, but they may also carry weapons which are capable of significant injury or death without alerting outsiders. This type of burglar has the agility and motivation to easily enter residences or offices which are well above street level.

What makes the professional burglar frightening is that they may have been observing your movements for weeks in order to establish a pattern of your behavior. This allows the professional to strike when you or your home is most vulnerable. In addition to their agility and potential weaponry, professionals also have the tools necessary to facilitate a quick and virtually undetectable entry.
The motivation of a professional burglar may be the thrill of doing what they do, or they may have been commissioned by a larger organization to perform their burglary. This is why they often strike in upscale neighborhoods or businesses.

Protecting Yourself
Besides the more common ways homeowners protect themselves from burglary, such as installing home security systems and removing expensive items from sight, there are other areas you may want to give your attention, considering what you now know about the characteristics of a burglar.

Because a potential burglar is very likely to know you, taking a look at your social networks is vital. If you announce upcoming vacations or like to detail your day on your favorite social site, the time may be right to cease this behavior. You never know who is monitoring your posts.

Another idea may be to ensure that you always have a way out in case you are burglarized. For example, keeping your car keys near your bed will not only prevent your car from being stolen, but can give you a means of escape should you wake up in the middle of the night and discover that your home is being burglarized.

No one can prevent burglary 100% of the time. But understanding a burglar's motivations and how to deal with their personality can end up saving your possessions, and more importantly, your life.