7 Red Flags That Tell Burglars Your House Is Easy to Rob
Most burglars don’t break in on a whim. A few small clues can tell them everything they need to know: when you’re out, how alert you are, and how easy it might be to get in. The trick is spotting those clues before they act. Here are 15 subtle signs that your home might be under unwanted surveillance.
Flyers That Never Get Picked Up
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Thieves sometimes leave a stack of takeout menus or glossy ads on your doorstep, on purpose. Then, they’ll check back later to see if they’ve been moved. If they’re still there after a day or two, it may confirm that your place is empty and possibly worth targeting.
Repeated Drive-Bys at Odd Hours
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Most people don’t loop past the same house multiple times a day for no reason. A car that shows up in the morning, again in the afternoon, and once more at night might be tracking your routine. Some even use ride-shares or borrowed cars.
Knock, Then Vanish
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If someone knocks and quickly leaves, they are not after the conversation. Burglars sometimes knock just to confirm no one’s home. They don’t want to engage and only want silence. It’s a quick way to test the waters before making a move.
Lights That Stop Working Randomly
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Outdoor lights, especially motion-sensor ones, are often your first line of defense. It’s worth more than a shrug when they stop working without explanation. People casing a home have been known to tamper with lighting to test blind spots or create future access under the cover of darkness.
Pets Acting Weird
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Animals are great at picking up on sounds or movements humans miss. If your pet keeps reacting near the same door or window, it’s worth checking your camera footage or upgrading your outdoor security.
“Wrong Address” Visitors
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Someone knocking on your door claiming they’re looking for a different house could be testing how you react. They might be scoping out who answers the door and how alert you seem. These interactions often feel awkward or too rehearsed, because they are.
Curious “Salespeople” Asking Odd Questions
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Genuine sales reps don’t usually ask what time you leave for work or if you have a dog. Some thieves pose as survey takers or utility workers just to gather info. They might peek inside while you’re distracted or take note of your security setup.
Strangers Taking Photos of Your Home
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People rarely take pictures of a random house unless they’re selling it or studying it. Burglars may use photos to remember window layouts, alarm systems, or blind spots. If someone stops to snap pics, try to get a look at their car or face and report it.
Trash That’s Been Disturbed
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Going through someone’s trash might sound extreme, but it happens. Empty boxes for new electronics, receipts, or even prescription labels can tell a thief a lot about your home. Some criminals look for signs of wealth, travel, or schedules just by checking what you throw away.
A Shifted Doormat or Moved Planter
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A flipped doormat or a planter out of place could be a low-key test. Thieves sometimes move objects to see if homeowners notice. If it stays that way for a day or two, they will assume the place is empty or the owners aren’t paying attention.
Someone Offers to “Fix” Something You Didn’t Ask About
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A stranger shows up, saying they noticed a loose shingle or an issue with your gutter, and they’re happy to fix it. Some scammers use this approach to get up close and check your home’s access points, or they could be trying to get you to open the garage.
Fake “Accidents” Outside Your House
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In some cases, thieves stage minor distractions like a “broken-down” car nearby to keep eyes off their real activity. Stay alert if someone lingers around a stalled vehicle or seems overly interested in what’s going on inside your house while pretending to fix something.
A Drone Buzzes Around Without Obvious Purpose
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Not every buzzing drone is a kid’s toy. These days, drones can be used to scope out rooftops, second-story windows, or fenced-in yards. If the same one makes repeat appearances or lingers around the edges of your property, it’s worth flagging. They can record footage to review weak spots later.
A Stranger Knows Your Child’s Name
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Hearing someone call your child by name when you don’t recognize them is unsettling for a reason. It could mean they’ve been watching or picked up the name from overheard conversations, school gear, or social media posts.
Repeated Social Media Check-ins While You’re Away
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Posting vacation pics or check-ins in real time can be risky. Tech-savvy thieves sometimes use public posts to figure out who’s out of town and for how long. A surprising number of break-ins have been linked to oversharing on social media.