I read about a home that was broken into. As I read the details of the break-in, I got curious and went to Google Street View

Please understand, I’m not trying to scold or demean the homeowners. When I saw some other pictures of the result of the break-in, my heart sank. I can imagine the feelings of hurt, violation, anger, and then the realities of having to deal with the aftereffects. I wouldn’t wish that upon good people. What I wish to do is look at a few things and see what we can learn so we can all work to reduce our chances of being victims.

The essential details are that the break-in occurred during the day while the homeowners were at work. The burglars removed the window A/C unit, which then made for easy entry into the home. They ransacked the house. Unsure of exactly what they were looking for as “big ticket” typical theft items were not taken (one person suggested identity theft was the movie). So, at this point I don’t know what nor why things happened, but I’m not sure it matters much at this point. What we’re interested in here is what we can learn so we don’t become victims ourselves.

First, the break-in happened during the day on a weekday. While everyone talks about the breaking of glass in the middle of the night, that’s actually rare. Most break-ins happen during the day because that’s the most likely time 1. no one is home, 2. no neighbors are home.

Second, they pushed in the window A/C unit. I do not know the situation of this particular unit, but from what I can see in the picture, I’m not convinced the unit was secured. Having brackets not only support the weight of the unit, but they make it more difficult and cumbersome to remove the unit. Panels along the side, strong bars/dowels to keep the partially opened window from being slid further upwards. These are things that can make it more difficult.

Third, see in the foreground that power converter/transformer/box? I would not be surprised if that aided entry into the backyard. Hop on top of that, and it’s easy to hop over the fence. There’s nothing they can do about the box, nothing they can do to prevent access to the box. But, how about planting some big thorny holly bushes or cactus on the other side of the fence? Most people do look before they leap, and giving no clear and safe landing area can’t hurt you (but can hurt them).

It’s possible entry was gained into the backyard through the normal fence gate. I don’t know if the gate was padlocked in any way, but if not, padlocks are useful things.

Fourth, look in the backyard of the neighbor on the right. See the wide-open door on their shed? Granted, it’s possible when this picture was taken that homeowner was doing something and the doors are normally shut — it’s just a snapshot in time as the Google Streetview Car drove by. But still, consider the implications of sheds — which generally hold tools and other property that either can be directly used or easily sold for fair gain. Keep doors closed and locked.

It must be accepted that no home is truly secure. Our homes are made of sheetrock, wood, glass, and other easily broken materials. If someone wishes to gain access, the construction of our homes will not stop them. But consider most property crimes like this are crimes of convenience. The criminal doesn’t want to work hard (if they did, they probably wouldn’t be criminals in the first place). They want an easy target. The best you can do is work to make your home a difficult target. I mean, your home and the home next door both have tv’s, game consoles, jewelry, tools, and other desirable goods. If you make your home a more difficult target, if they’re going to have to work more or risk pain, problems, and hassle to get into your home, they’ll probably choose another home.