10 Signs Your House Is Being Watched By Robbers
Learn if your house is being targeted this Holiday season and how to protect it.
Learn if your house is being targeted this Holiday season and how to protect it.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s no secret things can get hectic, and the little things are easy to miss. Do you sense something off in your neighborhood, giving you a strange feeling about your home security? Sometimes, our nervous system picks up signals that we haven’t even processed. Maybe there’s a van parked outside for several hours. Perhaps you’re certain you closed the kitchen window before walking out the front door, but you glance over your shoulder and it’s wide open.
Deep down, you may have the hunch that your house is being watched by robbers. The good news is that there are ways to confirm if your home is indeed being targeted. Let’s explore 10 signs that can help you stay ahead of the game, so you can take measures to protect your home.
According to a recent study, 41% of home burglaries are ‘spur-of-the-moment’ incidents, driven by opportunity. This means that burglars might choose potential targets based on a simple, near-instant observation. For instance, they may have spotted an accessible entry point, such as an open garage door or a window that’s easy to break.
Here’s a list of factors that could turn your house into an easy target:
According to the same study, when there’s planning involved in a burglary, the process can span from 1 to 3 days. This means that the period of time from targeting to actually breaking into your home is relatively short. If you notice multiple signs from the following list, we recommend taking immediate steps to safeguard your property. Consider investing in home security or, if you’re certain your house is being targeted, call the police immediately.
According to a study from North Carolina University, most burglars rely on the use of a vehicle. It could be their own, borrowed, or even stolen. So, be wary if you notice a suspicious car driving around or parked outside your house.
Keeping an eye on passing cars can be tricky. Plus, you certainly don’t want to pull a paranoid Bart Simpson, spying on the neighborhood with a telescope. That’s where a reliable security camera comes in.
Options like the Arlo 2nd Gen Essential Security Camera comes in both an HD or 2K video resolution version and features motion detection. By pairing it with the Arlo Secure subscription plan, you can use AI to detect people, animals, or vehicles. If there’s a recurring car parked outside, you’ll receive a notification and live video feed on your phone.
If you see strangers taking pictures of your house or lingering around, it could be a warning sign of being targeted. Naturally, there’s no need to be suspicious of every neighbor or passing jogger. However, if unknown people are wandering specifically around your house, you should be cautious.
Sometimes, a common tactic for intruders is to knock on your front door, come up with an emergency, and ask for your help. For instance, they might say their car broke down and ask if they can use your phone. (This is already suspicious, given that most people own a smartphone nowadays). When you open the door, they could attempt to break in. Or they might genuinely use the phone, scope out the surroundings, and return later.
It’s important to avoid allowing strangers into your home. Instead, consider installing a video doorbell, such as the Arlo 2nd Gen Video Doorbell. This model comes in either an HD or 2K video resolution version and features 2-Way Audio. With these features, you can both see and speak with strangers at your door without actually opening it.
While often considered an urban legend, burglars marking houses has been well documented. It even has its own Wikipedia page. Burglar markings involve the use of signs by thieves to identify and keep track of potential targets. For instance, a burglar might place a sign on an unoccupied house, signaling to their partners that the house is vulnerable.
If you come across strange markings on your property, such as a chalk sign on your sidewalk, it could be a burglar marking. In some cases, thieves also use stickers, lawn ornaments, or carvings.
If you notice missing items or signs of tampering with your property, it’s important to address the situation quickly. It could be a misplaced item, like a ladder or garbage bin. Perhaps there’s something different in your surroundings, like a loose plank in your fence or an open window. If this is the case, investigate and protect your property from potential home invasion.
While security systems are effective in deterring criminals, some may still attempt to break into your house. Discovering tampered security devices could be a clear warning sign of potential targeting. For example, you might notice that your security camera has been slightly moved, changing its viewing angle. In other, more concerning cases, the camera might be missing altogether.
To address this, certain home security brands like Arlo offer Anti-Theft Mounts. These mounts are designed to securely lock your security camera in place, preventing tampering and theft.
Service providers don’t usually go door to door offering to check on things. (After all, service companies are not known for their exceptional customer service.) So, if an unexpected service provider you did not call directly shows up at your house and asks to come inside, be suspicious.
We recommend not letting unwanted service providers in. Instead, first, call the company and ask if there’s a planned service in the area. If there is, ask to identify and confirm the people working for them.
This also applies to salespeople or delivery drivers who show unusual interest in your property, especially If you’re not expecting a package. Use your Arlo Video Doorbell to speak with the delivery person and ask them to leave the package at your doorstep. Once they leave, you can safely open the door and pick up the package.
Your feeling that your house is being watched is already concerning. But if you and a couple of neighbors share that same feeling, it could be a clear sign the neighborhood may be on watch. Remember, there’s power in numbers. If neighbors have reported suspicious activity, be extra cautious.
If you stumble upon surveillance devices such as cameras, microphones, or binoculars that you didn’t install, it’s crucial to investigate the matter quickly. It could even be a good reason to call the police. You don’t want to be passive when your privacy is at risk. Finding surveillance equipment could mean someone is keeping track of your schedule.
If you have the gut feeling that your house is being watched, it could be wise to trust your instincts. In these cases, consider investing in an alarm system. Options like the Arlo Home Security System are wireless and easy to install. Your security system will be up and running in a matter of minutes.
The Arlo Home Security System comes with All-in-One sensors. These are able to monitor and detect eight different threats. Use them to monitor doors and windows, or detect motion, light changes, and more.
To enhance your home security, pair your alarm system with motion-detecting security cameras. If looking for budget-friendly security, consider options like the previously mentioned Arlo 2nd Gen Essential Security Camera. This model starts at just $49.99 and comes with lots of features, like integrated spotlight. Or choose a high-end camera, like the Arlo Ultra 2 Security Camera with 4K HDR video capture and ultra-wide 180° Field of View.
Do you think your house is being cased, but aren’t quite sure what to do? Before you head out for the holiday break, be sure to record everything you’re seeing. Take a photo or video of strange markings, equipment or tampered materials on your property. Then, contact your local police department immediately. (Don’t forget to be a good neighbor and warn other houses on your street, too.)
Keep monitoring your security system, and don’t let anyone steal your peace of mind. Your house should be the place where you and your family feel the safest. Take advantage of the Arlo Holiday Sale and protect your home with Arlo security cameras, video doorbells, and home security systems. Let burglars know you’re watching them back.
