We all want to feel safe in our homes. It’s the one place that’s supposed to offer peace, comfort, and security. But burglars? They operate differently, often watching properties for signs of easy entry or low-risk targets.
The truth is, break-ins rarely happen on impulse. Instead, burglars take time to study and “case” houses. They look for patterns and opportunities before making their move. Ever get that feeling someone’s watching?
There are some subtle clues that burglars leave behind as they scope out potential homes. Let’s chat about some common signs that someone might be casing your home and what you can do about it.
Methodology
- I researched statistics and information on reputable websites to learn about burglaries and what burglars typically do when targeting a house.
1. Unfamiliar Cars Hanging Around
You probably know the regular flow of traffic in your neighborhood. So, when a car seems out of place or hangs around longer than usual, your gut may send up red flags.
A suspicious vehicle that’s parked near your home, often during odd hours or on different days, could be a sign that someone is watching.
Statistics provided by California Metro Patrol show that unfamiliar vehicles parked or moving slowly near a house are often a red flag for burglary activities. Burglars may use these vehicles to discreetly observe homes and monitor the habits of the occupants to identify when the house is likely to be empty.
Burglars sometimes sit in cars for extended periods, taking note of when people leave and come home, when the house is empty, or if security cameras are in place.
What to Look For
- A car parked just down the street that doesn’t belong to anyone in the area
- The same vehicle driving by multiple times in a short window
- Occupants of the car who don’t appear to have any other reason to be there
2. Random People Knocking on Your Door
We all get the occasional door-to-door salesperson or someone offering lawn services. But sometimes, these “visits” are part of a casing routine. Burglars might pose as service providers, delivery workers, or even survey-takers.
Their goal? To see who’s home and check out potential entry points. When someone knocks unexpectedly, they could be trying to assess your security or check if anyone answers during certain times of the day.
If you get a knock and don’t feel right about it, you’re not alone. Many burglars use this tactic to get a feel for the home’s routine.
According to Reolink, 34% of burglars enter homes through the front door, which makes unexpected knocks on your door a potential tactic used by burglars to check whether someone is home. This seemingly innocent behavior could indicate that they are “casing” the house to see if it’s unoccupied and thus a good target.
Red Flags to Watch For
- An unfamiliar person who leaves quickly when no one answers
- Questions that seem off or unrelated to the service they claim to be offering
- Pushy behavior or attempts to look past you into your home
3. Odd Markings or Symbols Around Your Home
This one can sound a bit odd, but it happens more often than you might think. Burglars sometimes leave small markings, like chalk symbols, strings, or objects like rocks, around your home.
As per Prestige Security Solutions, these markings act as silent signals to other burglars about the home’s security or ease of access.
What to Watch Out For
- Unexplained chalk marks on walls, fences, or sidewalks
- Odd objects left in strange places (e.g., rocks on the porch or strange strings tied to railings)
- Stickers or tags that seem out of place, often near windows or doors
If you notice something strange, take a picture and remove it. Better yet, check with your neighbors to see if they’ve spotted anything similar.
4. Strangers Taking Photos of Your Property
With smartphones everywhere, it’s not uncommon to see people snapping pictures. But if someone is focusing on your windows, doors, or security setup, it’s time to take notice.
Burglars may use photos or videos to map out the layout of your home, entrances, and exits.
California Metro Patrol emphasizes that one of the clearest signs of burglars casing a home is when someone is observed taking pictures, especially of doors, windows, or garage areas.
Key Indicators
- Someone photographing specific parts of your house from different angles
- Strangers using binoculars or other tools to observe from a distance
- An individual lingering too long in front of your home while looking at their phone
If you see this happening, don’t hesitate to make your presence known. Something as simple as waving or stepping outside could deter them.
5. Too Much Foot Traffic Around the Neighborhood
Most neighborhoods have a regular rhythm. So, when you start seeing the same unfamiliar faces strolling by your home repeatedly, it might be more than a casual walk.
Burglars often case neighborhoods by walking or driving around, watching for patterns or possible weaknesses.
According to a USC study, areas where businesses temporarily close see a spike in crime, indicating that lower legitimate foot traffic can increase vulnerability to crime. Conversely, excessive foot traffic, particularly from unfamiliar individuals, may indicate that criminals are scouting properties for vulnerabilities.
Look Out For
- Strangers loitering near your property multiple times
- Someone walking past your home several times in a short period without a clear reason
- Excessive traffic or unfamiliar vehicles driving through the area slowly
6. Moved or Tampered Trash Cans
One sneaky trick burglars use is to mess with your trash cans. They might move them, leave them open, or sift through the contents.
Why? They’re checking for signs of life, like personal information or evidence that someone’s not home.
Tell-Tale Signs
- Trash cans that have been shifted around after being emptied
- Lids left open when you’re sure they were closed
- Trash scattered or shifted in a way that seems unnatural
Regularly check your bins, and consider shredding personal documents to make it harder for burglars to gather information.
7. Tampered Outdoor Lighting
Security lights are great…until someone messes with them. Burglars often tamper with outdoor lights to make your home easier to approach under cover of darkness.
They might unscrew bulbs, disconnect motion sensors, or simply turn them off.
CAST Lighting notes that proper outdoor lighting is one of the most effective deterrents to burglaries. Burglars avoid well-lit homes because it increases the likelihood of being caught. However, if burglars tamper with the lights, they could be trying to create darker areas where they can approach the house undetected.
What to Notice
- Lights that have been turned off or are flickering when they shouldn’t
- Motion-activated lights that suddenly stop working
- Bulbs that have been unscrewed or removed entirely
8. Items Moved Around the Yard
Some burglars will test how much attention you pay to your yard by moving things around. They might shift garden tools, furniture, or even place things in unusual spots to see if they get moved back.
Cove Security explains that, in addition to moving items around the yard, burglars may deliberately tamper with outdoor objects, such as trash cans or lawn furniture. These actions allow them to determine how vigilant homeowners are, and whether such changes will be noticed immediately or left unattended.
Pay Attention If
- Tools, furniture, or outdoor equipment seem out of place
- Items like ladders are moved closer to potential entry points, like windows or second-floor balconies
- Your dog starts acting differently, or seems agitated by something unusual outside
A quick walk around your property every few days can help you spot anything suspicious.
9. Small Acts of Vandalism or Odd Damage
Minor vandalism, like a broken fence or scratched window, can sometimes be a burglar’s test to see how fast you react. If they cause a little damage and no one fixes it right away, they might assume the house is a low-risk target.
Lifehacker explains that random acts of vandalism, such as a rock thrown through a window or minor graffiti, are another technique used by burglars. These acts are designed to observe how homeowners respond and to test the security and awareness of the occupants. A lack of response signals to burglars that the house is an easier target.
Keep an Eye Out For
- Scratches or dents that weren’t there before
- Fences, doors, or windows with new damage
- Vandalism that seems too minor to be random
If you spot damage, take it seriously, and address it quickly.
10. Door and Window Tampering
Burglars often check doors and windows before a break-in to see if they can be easily opened. They may also leave them slightly ajar as a way to make their return easier later on.
What to Check
- Locks that seem loose or have been tampered with
- Windows or doors that are slightly open, even if you’re sure you closed them
- New scratches, marks, or damage around entry points
11. Familiar Faces, Unfamiliar Days
Notice the same person popping up in your neighborhood at random times, over multiple days? They might be watching your schedule to find out when your house is empty.
Regular comings and goings help them figure out the best time to strike.
Signs to Watch
- A familiar stranger walking by at different times of the day
- Someone standing nearby or appearing to loiter regularly
- People taking unusual interest in your property
12. Random Flyers or Stickers on Your Door
Some burglars leave flyers or business cards as a way to mark a house. It might sound far-fetched, but certain flyers could indicate the home is vacant or lacks security.
According to Reolink, 34% of burglars enter through the front door, and 23% enter through a first-floor window.
Red Flags
- Flyers from unfamiliar businesses left on your door
- Stickers placed in odd spots (near windows or doors)
- Business cards left in unusual places around your property
Take note of anything out of place, and don’t hesitate to remove it.
What Can You Do To Protect Your Home?
The good news? There are plenty of proactive steps you can take to deter burglars. Here’s what I recommend:
- Install security cameras that are visible and positioned around entrances. You can also setup hidden ones.
- Invest in a home security system with sensors and alarms.
- Use timers for your lights to make it look like someone’s always home.
- Get a dog—even small dogs can be excellent at alerting you to strangers.
Staying alert and aware of your surroundings is half the battle. Recognizing the signs early can help you protect your home and keep it off a burglar’s radar.
