We live in scary times. Many people avoid the news because it always seems to highlight the worst in humanity, creating fear and anxiety in viewers. There is always something negative to report on. For instance, consider crime. Crimes are always discussed on your local news stations, whether they involve petty theft, grand larceny, or murder. One of the crimes that are most relevant to homeowners is burglary. When you hear about a recent burglary while secure inside of your home, it can make you feel paranoid. But there is no need to worry. All you need to do is educate yourself and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself. Here are some answers to common questions you may have about burglary.
Burglary Definition: What Is Burglary, Exactly?
The definition of burglary often eludes many people, who aren’t sure what exactly this crime entails. We’re hoping to clear the definition up for you to enhance your understanding. Burglary refers to unlawful entry into a structure with the purpose of perpetrating any crime, including theft and larceny. While burglary is often associated with breaking and entering, this action does not have to occur for a crime to be classified as burglary. You could stroll in through an open door and still commit burglary.
What Is the Difference Between Burglary Vs Robbery?
Burglary is different from robbery, though these terms are commonly used interchangeably. Robbery involves using threats or force to steal property. Burglary does not involve the use of violence to obtain property. Oftentimes, there is no one home during a burglary. The criminal slips in and out unnoticed. So if you are anxious after hearing news about burglaries, know that you are likely to remain unharmed if a criminal surreptitiously enters to steal your items.
How Often Does Burglary Happen?
So are you being paranoid? Is burglary common? Do you have to be worried by those stories that you see on the news? Well, burglaries do happen often in the United States. In fact, one happens every 15 seconds. That equates to 4,800 burglaries per day.
What Time Do Burglaries Happen?
Burglaries are often equated with nighttime. When you envision a burglary in progress, it is probably dark outside. However, most burglaries do not happen at night. A majority of burglaries occur during the day between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. During this timeframe, people are adults are usually at work while kids are at school.
Where Do Burglaries Most Often Occur?
Big cities have a bad rap when it comes to crime. Most people associate a majority of crime with these major hubs. However, burglary is actually less common in large cities and metropolitan areas. Rural areas see the highest levels of burglary. Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Mississippi all experience high burglary rates.
How Do You Protect Yourself Against Burglary?
Burglary is often preventable. While there is no full-proof way to prevent this type of crime, there are many things you can do to reduce the chances of it occurring. Here are several things you can do to prevent burglary:
- Do not hide spare keys around your property.
- Purchase a home security system.
- Invest in high-quality lock hardware.
- Make sure your home is well-lit.
- Keep landscaping at a minimum.
We Can Help Secure Your Home Against Burglary!
If you’re feeling anxious after reading the burglary statistics we provided, don’t worry. It is possible to keep yourself safe from burglary when you work with a licensed professional. Our experts at ASAP Locksmith are capable of securing your home against burglary. Contact us today for assistance!