9 Signs to Look For
Burglars look for homes and neighborhoods that are easy targets and they scope out these places weeks or months in advance. They hang out in the neighborhood on different days and times to monitor potential victim’s activity and schedules. They are especially interested in any home security systems and will avoid these properties.
By having security devices in place and understanding burglar casing techniques, you proactively give yourself a layer of security that deters burglars. Here are 9 indicators that your home or neighborhood might be being cased:
Business Solicitation
It’s uncommon these days, but sometimes a knock on the door from a solicitor is legitimate. Sometimes it’s not. Be aware that people run scams to check your property or try to scope inside your home by posing as a contractor or someone offering repair service or “handyman” type of work (painting, window washing, re-flooring, or even pest control). Some scams involve solicitation of a donation of some nominal amount.
Look for a company work truck or car, ask the person for company identification. This in itself can deter someone from continuing their “research.”
Less common is a scam involving two people. The team offers remodeling or construction or some other service that would involve one of them preoccupying the homeowner while the other enters the home to “inspect” it and grab anything of value in those few minutes.
Stuffing Your Home with Flyers
If you find lots of flyers or advertising postcards on your porch or in your door jamb, make sure to discard them quickly. Leaving them out gives the impression that you are away for long periods of time.
Glass of Water Request
Always be careful opening your door to someone you don’t know. But you should see red flags when someone asks for a glass of water or to use your restroom. Allowing someone you don’t know into your home could be dangerous. They could be taking “inventory” with this innocuous request.
Strangers Asking for Directions
This is another situation where someone you don’t know makes a request of you asking for directions (most mobile phones have a mapping or GPS app) or some other assistance, like helping to look for a missing pet. With more people working on a hybrid schedule or working from home, if the knock comes during hours where most people would be at work, it could be a clue someone is casing your home.
What to Do In Either Situation:
- Do not open the door – communicate through the door or a video camera if you have one.
- If you do open the door, open it just wide enough to communicate.
- Direct the person to a nearby business for a restroom.
- Use the excuse that your plumbing is being repaired and cannot be used.
- Report the activity to your HOA, neighborhood watch group or security company.
Someone Taking Pictures of Your Home
Generally, is there any reason someone should be taking a photo or video of your home? Probably not. Make your presence known and note if they are taking photos from various angles or different streets. If this happens more than once, get descriptions of the person taking the photos and their car if it’s identifiable and notify neighbors, HOA or security company.
Strangers Walking Around the Neighborhood
Be aware of people who don’t live in the neighborhood repeatedly walking past your home. Sometimes they will walk with a stroller or dog which allows them to walk slowly and observe your home. Be especially careful if you live on a no-outlet street or cul-de-sac.
Unfamiliar Vehicles Parked for Long Periods of Time
You probably know your neighbors’ cars, especially if you live on a no-outlet street or in a cul-de-sac. Strange vehicles parked for an extended period of time, especially with a person sitting in it, can be suspicious. Strange vehicles that cruise your street repeatedly and at random times may be signs your house or neighborhood is being cased.
Since this activity can feel more threatening, report the vehicle and its occupants to your HOA and/or security company and alert your neighbors. If your local law enforcement assigns a community lead officer, notify them too. Try to get as much information on the vehicle as possible:
- General vehicle description: make, model, color
- License plate number
- Any unique details about vehicle (body damage, dents, bumper stickers, special after-market work, etc.)
- Driver and passenger description
Other Signs
This is not an exhaustive list of the ways burglars gather information. With digital tools, drones add another level of casing potential. Crooks are creative and make it their business to stay one step ahead, so signs will change with new technologies or other new scheme. Meanwhile, keep alert for other signs like:
- Your welcome mat is moved, flipped over or upside down.
- Porch decorations or plants are moved or rearranged.
- A random item is left in your yard or driveway (like a ball or small debris).
- If a burglar is observing this and you move this item, it tells them you’re home; if it’s still in place when they return, there’s a good chance you’re out and the property may be a good target.
Trust Your Spidey-Sense
Listen to yourself; if something feels off, it probably is. Look for communication hints too – someone who doesn’t make eye contact, is evasive or fidgety. These signs tell you they may be up to something. You’re within your rights to ask them to leave your property; if they do not leave, they are trespassing, which is a crime. If you feel unsafe, call 911 immediately.
Remember burglars want an easy target; they want to commit the burglary as quickly as possible so make your home as difficult a target as you can. A comprehensive security system that involves security cameras, motion sensor lights, flood lights, sturdy locks on your gate, fence or garage are all deterrents for burglars.
If you live in Gwinnett County, the GCPD offers free safety seminars and both residential and commercial security surveys. This survey will help you assess your home and business security systems.
Rapid International Offers Community Solutions
Safety, Community, Together. Rapid International provides security services, including staffed areas and patrol services, prioritizing neighborhood-based security in collaboration with your community. Rapid’s management has extensive experience in the security industry and in each city, we build partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency service agencies. Together with community members, we work to make people and communities safe and secure.
Please get in touch to learn about our community-level security program – we believe the strength of collaboration and partnership make neighborhoods safer for everyone. In Georgia, call: (706) 844-2586, in California call: (213) 364-1394 or email us at info@therapidway.com.
Security is not a gimmick or a gadget:
Andrew Calderon – Rapid International Security Services
it’s a state of mind.
IG: rapidgroup.ga | Linked In: Rapid International Group, Inc.
Neighborhood photograph courtesy: ar.inspiredpencil