Studies and interviews with convicted burglars consistently point to the same handful of signals. None of them involve picking a random house, they involve picking the easiest house on the block.
They’re Looking for “No One’s Home”
- Overflowing mail or packages piling up on the porch
- No cars in the driveway for days
- The same lights on (or off) at every hour, suggesting no one is actually adjusting them
- Overgrown lawns or untrimmed hedges signaling an extended absence
They’re Looking for Easy Entry
- Unlocked or poorly latched windows
- Flimsy strike plates that give way to a single kick
- Single-cylinder deadbolts on doors with weak frames
- Glass panels near a lock’s thumbturn
They Avoid Visible Security
Visible cameras, alarm company signage, motion-activated lighting, and even a “beware of dog” sign all increase the perceived risk and effort, and burglars overwhelmingly prefer targets that minimize both.
They Scout From the Street
Fence height, hedge placement, and how visible your side or back door is from the sidewalk all factor in. A door that can’t be seen from the street is far more attractive to someone casing a block.
Where We See This Most
Dense, walkable neighborhoods with alley or side-yard access, Highland Park (90042), Eagle Rock (90041), Echo Park (90026), and Los Feliz (90027), tend to have more secondary entry points than a typical suburban lot, which is exactly why side and back doors in these areas deserve the same lock quality as the front.
7 Changes That Make the Biggest Difference
- Upgrade to a Grade 1 deadbolt (see our best door locks guide)
- Reinforce strike plates with longer screws into the door frame stud
- Add motion-sensor lighting at every entry point
- Install a video doorbell or camera facing the street
- Trim hedges and landscaping near windows and side doors
- Secure sliding doors and windows with supplemental locks
- Join a Nextdoor or neighborhood watch group for early awareness of activity nearby
Want a security walk-through of your property? We serve Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Echo Park, Los Feliz, and the rest of LA. Call 818-249-5128.