ST. PAUL, MN – Last week, I was chatting with a neighbor during one of our neighborhood watch meetings here in Minnesota. We were swapping stories about break-ins we’d heard about recently, and the conversation left me with chills. It seems like criminals are getting smarter by the day, finding new ways to break in and avoid detection. The traditional advice—like locking your doors—just isn’t cutting it anymore.
If you want to stay ahead, you need to know these sneaky new tactics. Here are the latest break-in trends criminals don’t want you to know about—and the steps you can take to protect your home.
The ‘Knock and Wait’ Strategy
In this trick, criminals act like delivery drivers or door-to-door salespeople. They knock on your door to see if anyone is home, waiting just a few moments. If no one answers, they assume the house is empty and make their move.
How to stay safe: A video doorbell can be a lifesaver. You can answer the door remotely, even when you’re away, making it seem like you’re always home.
Social Media Surveillance
Think twice before posting about your vacation on Facebook. Burglars are now tracking public posts to figure out when homes will be empty. It’s like giving them a schedule of when you’ll be gone.
Prevention tip: Post vacation photos after you’re back home, and make sure your social media profiles are set to private. Don’t give burglars free intel!
Smart Home System Hacks
As convenient as smart home devices are, they can be a weak point. Criminals are finding ways to hack security systems and smart locks, gaining access without even stepping foot through a window.
How to stay safe: Use strong, unique passwords for all smart devices and change them regularly. Avoid sticking with default settings that are easy for hackers to exploit.
The ‘Bump Key’ Trick
A bump key can open standard locks in seconds, leaving little to no signs of forced entry. It’s a simple tool, but it can bypass the average lock with ease.
Prevention tip: Consider upgrading to bump-proof locks or investing in smart locks. They’ll give you more peace of mind—and keep criminals out.
Following Delivery Trucks
Ever wonder why your package went missing the moment it arrived? Some thieves are following delivery trucks and snatching packages the second they’re left on the porch. In worse cases, they’ll break into homes right after a delivery, assuming no one will be around to notice.
How to stay safe: Use package lockers or have deliveries sent to a secure pickup location. If possible, ask a neighbor to grab your package for you if you won’t be home.
Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Scams
Some burglars are booking short-term rentals through services like Airbnb to scout out properties. During their stay, they’ll take note of security measures, learn the layout of the house, and observe neighborhood patterns. Later, they return with a plan.
Prevention tip: Thoroughly vet anyone who books your property, and install smart cameras to notify you of suspicious activity, even when you’re not nearby.
Disabling Outdoor Cameras
It’s not just Hollywood criminals who can disable cameras. Burglars are now using laser pointers or paint to blind outdoor security cameras. With your surveillance compromised, they can move in without fear of being caught.
How to stay safe: Install multiple cameras at different angles, so if one gets disabled, others will still have a clear view. Regularly check your feeds for unusual activity.
The ‘Casing with Flyers’ Tactic
Criminals are also leaving flyers or business cards on doors to gauge whether homeowners are away. If the flyer is still there days later, they know the house is empty and ready for a break-in.
Prevention tip: Remove anything left on your door right away, and let neighbors know to do the same. Keep an eye out for suspicious flyers in your neighborhood—it could be a sign someone is casing homes.
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Drones for Scouting
Drones aren’t just for hobbyists. Some burglars are using them to fly over properties and identify security gaps, open windows, or valuables in yards. It gives them a bird’s-eye view of your home without stepping foot on your property.
How to stay safe: Install motion-activated lights and sensors to detect drones. You can also report suspicious drone activity to local authorities.
Stay One Step Ahead
Criminals are always finding new ways to outsmart homeowners, but staying one step ahead is possible. Awareness is key, and the more prepared you are, the less likely you’ll be targeted.
If you haven’t already, consider starting a neighborhood watch program. It’s been a game-changer for us here in Winona. Knowing your neighbors are watching out for each other makes a big difference.
Don’t wait for a break-in to happen. Review your security measures today—and stay safe out there!
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