43 Shocking U.S. Burglary Statistics for 2024

Is your home actually safe when you’re not around? According to recent statistics, it may not be as safe as you think.

If you’ve been fortunate enough to never experience a burglary, then you might not be familiar with how often they happen.

For those who have been less fortunate, you may already be asking yourself, “What are the odds that I could be burgled again?”

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and can put your mind at ease. That’s why the first step to preventing burglary is to understand the problem from the ground up.

That being said, let’s dive into the most shocking U.S. burglary statistics from the last decade — and what actions you can take to avoid falling victim.

Is Burglary Common in the United States?

1. Unfortunately, burglaries are almost a little too common. While burglaries overall are on the decline across the nation, the FBI states that home break-ins still account for just over 16% of all estimated property crimes. Click to Tweet this.
2. As recently as 2018, there was one incident of burglary every 25.7 seconds in the United States. Click to Tweet this.
3. An average of 3,062 burglaries happen in the U.S. every single day. Click to Tweet this.
4. Nationwide, burglaries fell by 69% between the years 1993 and 2019. Click to Tweet this.

When Is a Burglary Most Likely to Happen?

1. According to ADT, a company that sells home security systems, the majority of burglaries occur between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. This is the time of day when many people tend to be at work or running errands — which many potential burglars see as an opportunity. Click to Tweet this.
2. The better the weather, the more likely a burglary becomes. More burglaries happen during the summer months. FBI statistics indicate that the number of burglaries rises by an average of 11% between the winter and summer months. Click to Tweet this.
3. For that reason, more people experience burglaries in June than during any other month of the year. Click to Tweet this.

Which U.S. States Have the Most Burglaries?

1. Crime data from the Statista Research Department shows that in 2020, New Mexico experienced more burglaries or home invasions than anywhere else in the country. The southwestern state saw 648.8 burglary occurrences per every 100,000 residents, which is more than double the countrywide average of 314.2 per every 100,000 residents. Click to Tweet this.
2. Oklahoma came in second place, with 613.3 burglary occurrences per every 100,000 residents. Click to Tweet this.
3. Other states with higher-than-average burglary statistics include, from highest to lowest: Arkansas, Washington, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, North Dakota, and Colorado.
4. Wondering which U.S. city has the highest burglary rate? That would be Bakersfield, California, with a rate of 847 burglaries for every 100,000 residents. Click to Tweet this. Other cities with a high rate of burglaries include:
   • Vallejo, California
   • Lubbock, Texas
   • Memphis, Tennessee
   • Tulsa, Oklahoma
5. Despite the common belief that bigger cities mean higher crime rates, New York City does not come anywhere close to most burglaries per capita.
6. As far as burglary rates for homeowners are concerned, the safest U.S. states include:
   • New Hampshire
   • Virginia
   • New Jersey
   • Maine
   • Massachusetts
   • Vermont

The burglary rates for these states are well below the national average. Click to Tweet this.

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What are Burglars Most Likely to Steal?

1. Based on data from reported burglaries, the most common stolen items are high-value, easy-to-resell pieces such as jewelry and watches.
2. Likewise, cash and wallets are regularly stolen items during residential burglaries.
3. Electronics, prescription drugs, cars and car parts, clothes, and furniture also make up a significant percentage of stolen valuables, according to recent home burglary statistics.
4. The average burglary loss in the United States amounts to $2,661, according to the FBI. Click to Tweet this.

How Do Burglars Break Into Homes?

1. 34% of burglars enter homes via unlocked front doors. In fact, 6% of burglars will simply check for unlocked doors. Click to Tweet this.
2. 23% of burglaries occur through open first-floor windows. Click to Tweet this.
3. 22% of burglars gain entry through the back door. Click to Tweet this.
4. According to the U.S. Department of Justice and FBI.gov:
   1. 55.7% of burglaries involve forcible entry.
   2. 37.8% involve unlawful entry.
   3. 6.5% involve attempted forcible entry.
5. Criminals enter residences via the garage door in only 9% of burglary cases.
6. Only 2% of burglars will shimmy through a second-floor window to gain access to a home.

How Often Are People Burglarized in the U.S.?

1. Keep in mind that burglaries and robberies are different crimes. For a crime to qualify as an actual robbery, not just a burglary, the incident must involve violence or the threat of a violent crime — which makes it very different from other non-violent crimes like motor vehicle theft or larceny.
2. Approximately 65.5% of burglaries occur on residential properties. Click to Tweet this.
3. 65% of burglars know their victims. This could mean that keeping private details of your life a secret (for example, not sharing those vacation plans on social media) might make a big difference. Click to Tweet this.

How Often Are Burglars Caught in the Act?

1. Since burglary is not a crime that’s easy to prosecute, only 13.6% of reported burglaries will result in an actual arrest. Click to Tweet this.
2. Sadly, only 14.1% of stolen household goods are ever recovered.
3. According to the FBI, most burglars work fast: the average break-in lasts between a mere 8 to 10 minutes. Click to Tweet this.
4. This should come as no surprise, but it can be dangerous to walk in on an active burglary. About 25% of those who interrupt an ongoing burglary become victims of violent crime.
5. Having said that, only 7% of burglars bring weapons — of any type, whether a knife or a firearm — to the scene of the crime.
6. If you have been burgled once, that may be a sign that you could be burgled again. 51% of burglarized homes become the target of a second burglary within a 6-week timespan.

What Are the Most Effective Burglary Deterrents?

According to people who used to burglarize homes, the most powerful deterrents are home security cameras, alarm systems, and barking dogs. Click to Tweet this.

Other effective deterrents against burglaries can include:

1. Strong, heavy doors that are loud or difficult to open.
2. A switched-on television set.
3. Locked UPVC windows that are tough to shatter.
4. Bright street lights that make it a challenge to hide in the shadows.
5. Vehicles parked in the driveway, indicating that someone is home.

Although it’s not quite a burglary “deterrent” to insure your home under a homeowner’s insurance policy, having one can soften the blow — or at least cover the cost of your property losses.

For renters, a renter’s insurance policy can offer similar protections. Most renter’s insurance policies will cover damaged or stolen belongings.

Security guards are also among the greatest possible deterrents that can keep criminals from even thinking about trespassing, burglarizing, or vandalizing your property. Using a service like Security Explorer can help you find the best security guards available for hire in your area.

Conclusion

It’s never pleasant to think about crime. But thinking about crime before it happens can keep you several steps ahead of even the most clever burglars and criminals.

All it takes are a few proactive measures like the ones described in this article. There are many deterrents that can make a big difference, and security guards are definitely one of the best.

If you’re feeling worried or concerned about the threat of burglary to your business or home residence, consider hiring a security guard to offset the risk. Security Explorer can help you find a trusted, qualified security professional to keep your property safe — and preserve your peace of mind.

Need help finding a security guard? We connect Californians to the best security services in their area. Use our free directory to find a reputable California security guard service today!