Burglary Patterns in Thanet

Burglary Patterns in Thanet: When and How Intruders Gain Access

Understanding when and how burglars typically operate is the first and most crucial step in safeguarding your home or business in Thanet. Contrary to popular belief, most burglaries in the UK don’t happen in the dead of night, and intruders aren’t always breaking down doors with brute force. At Thanet Locksmiths, we believe that informed homeowners and business owners are better protected, and knowing these patterns can significantly enhance your security strategy.

When Do Burglars Strike? Dispelling the Myths

While darkness can provide cover, statistics reveal that the majority of burglaries occur during daylight hours.

• Daytime Dominance: A significant portion of break-ins (often cited around 40% or more) happen between 10 AM and 5 PM, with a particular peak in the afternoon (3 PM – 5 PM). This is when many people are out at work, school, or running errands, leaving properties unoccupied and vulnerable.
• Evenings (6 PM – Midnight): The evening hours also see a high number of burglaries, making up around a third of all incidents. The cover of dusk and early night can be exploited, especially if residents are out or distracted.
• Weekdays over Weekends: Burglars often favour weekdays, particularly from Tuesday to Thursday, as daily routines are more predictable, and homes are more likely to be empty.
• Seasonal Spikes: While burglaries happen year-round, there can be noticeable increases during summer months (when people are often away on holiday, leaving homes vacant) and again in autumn as the clocks go back and darker evenings provide more cover.

How Do Burglars Get In? The Most Common Entry Points

The most surprising fact for many is how simple and direct a burglar’s chosen entry method often is.

• The Front Door: The Primary Target:
  • Astonishingly, the front door is the most common entry point for burglars, accounting for a majority of successful entries (statistics often indicate over 70% of burglaries involve a door, and a significant portion of those are the front door).
  • Why? Burglars often try simply opening unlocked doors. If locked, they might attempt to force the lock, kick the door in, or look for hidden spare keys. It’s the most direct and often easiest path if security is lax.
• Side and Back Doors:
  • These are also frequently targeted, providing more seclusion for burglars to work without being seen. They might be less visible from the street and sometimes have less robust security than the main front entrance. Sliding patio doors can be particularly vulnerable if not adequately secured.
• Windows (Especially Ground Floor and Accessible Upstairs):
  • Windows are another common entry point (around 20-30% of break-ins). Burglars exploit open or unlocked windows, or those with weak locks. Ground-floor windows are obvious targets, but upper-floor windows accessible via flat roofs, drainpipes, or even ladders are also at risk.
• Garages and Outbuildings:
  • While not always leading directly into the main home, garages and sheds are often targeted for their contents (tools, bikes, valuables) or for tools that can then be used to force entry into the main property.

The Opportunistic Nature of Burglary: What They Look For

Burglars are often opportunistic. They look for signs of vulnerability and easy access. This includes:

• Unoccupied Homes: Lights off during the day, overflowing post, uncollected milk deliveries, or social media posts indicating you’re away.
• Easy Entry Points: Unlocked doors or windows, weak locks, flimsy frames, or visible spare keys.
• Cover: Overgrown shrubs, dark areas, or secluded entry points that offer concealment.

Thanet Locksmiths’ Advice: Protecting Your Home

Understanding these patterns empowers you to take proactive steps:

1. Always Lock Up, Even When Home: Many burglaries occur when someone is inside simply because a door or window was left unlocked.
2. Upgrade Your Locks: Ensure all external doors (front, back, side, patio) have high-security, British Standard (BS3621, TS007, SS312) compliant locks. Pay particular attention to anti-snap cylinders for uPVC doors.
3. Secure All Windows: Fit key-operated locks on all ground-floor and accessible upper-floor windows.
4. Don’t Forget Outbuildings: Secure garages, sheds, and outhouses with robust locks.
5. Be Routine-Aware: Varying your daily habits, using timer switches for lights, and asking trusted neighbours to keep an eye on your property can make your home look occupied.
6. Eliminate Hiding Spots: Trim overgrown bushes and ensure good lighting around all entry points.

Your home’s security is its first and most important line of defence. At Thanet Locksmiths, we are dedicated to helping our community stay safe.

If you’re unsure about the strength of your current security, or want to upgrade your locks to deter opportunistic thieves, contact Thanet Locksmiths today for a free, no-obligation security survey. We’re here to provide expert advice and professional installations to give you peace of mind.