Break-ins can be unpredictable, but there are often a few common features that make one property stand out more than another.
Criminals vary widely in how they operate, from opportunistic thieves to more experienced offenders, which can make it difficult to know what draws attention to a home in the first place. Recent federal crime data shows burglary remains a significant property-crime issue in the United States, even as rates have fluctuated in recent years, which is one reason prevention experts continue to emphasize layered home security rather than relying on a single deterrent.
That uncertainty leaves many homeowners wondering how to better protect their property if they do not know what might make it appealing to an intruder.
According to a former Royal Marine, there are several warning signs that can make a house look easier to target.
He shared advice on social media outlining some of the main things burglars tend to notice when sizing up a home, along with practical ways to make a property less attractive.
Robin, known as @dutchintheusa on TikTok, pointed to four key factors that can influence whether a home appears vulnerable.
“Think your home is ‘safe enough’? A burglar only needs a few seconds to decide if your house is an easy target. Here are 4 things criminals often look for.”
He explained that many burglaries happen because an opportunity presents itself, rather than because a specific home was heavily planned in advance.
“Most break-ins are crimes of opportunity. A few simple changes can make your home look like more trouble than it’s worth.”
One of the biggest factors, he said, is lighting. A dark entrance can make a property feel easier to approach without being noticed, while better lighting can make someone think twice.
Motion-activated lights can be especially useful because they immediately draw attention to movement near the house.
“If you have lights that turn on when you walk up to the house, they don’t like that.”
He also noted that visible security features can serve as another deterrent. Cameras, video doorbells and alarm systems all signal that someone could be alerted quickly.
That ties into another major factor: dogs. A barking dog can make a burglar worry about being heard, confronted or even injured.
Locks are another basic but important part of home security. If a property looks easy to enter, it is naturally more tempting than one that appears reinforced.
“Consider visible secondary locks or reinforcing strike plates to signal extra effort is required.”
He also warned that landscaping can work against homeowners if it creates cover near doors or windows.
“Keep vegetation trimmed, maintain clear sightlines to entry points and place thorny or low-maintenance plants beneath windows to discourage close approaches.”
Another point he raised was the importance of making a home appear occupied. If packages, mail or other signs suggest nobody is around, that can make the property more appealing.
“Accumulated packages, overflowing mailboxes and empty driveways for days advertise absence.”
To counter that, he recommended taking simple steps to maintain the appearance of normal daily activity when away.
“Arrange package deliveries, request mail holds when away, use timed lights or run a car occasionally to create normal activity cues.”
In short, his advice comes down to a few straightforward warning signs burglars may look for:
1. Unlocked doors or windows – The easiest way in is the one that’s already open.
2. A dark property – Poor lighting creates hiding spots and makes it easier to approach unnoticed.
3. Signs no one is home – Packages piling up, overflowing mailboxes, or no cars for days can be a giveaway.
4. Easy places to hide – Tall bushes, privacy fences, or overgrown landscaping near doors and windows provide cover.
Experts generally recommend layering these measures rather than relying on just one, combining lighting, good locks, visible deterrents and housekeeping habits that make a home look active and difficult to approach. The aim is not to make a house “burglar-proof,” but to make it look like a harder, riskier target than the one next door.