Home is supposed to be your safe place, but for burglars, many homes are easy pickings. And more often than not, the reason is simple: the homeowners themselves. Whether due to routine habits, outdated locks, or overlooked blind spots, certain common mistakes can make your home far more appealing to criminals.
The problem is that most homeowners don’t even realize they’re doing anything wrong. Small, innocent-seeming decisions—from the way you light your porch to where you hide a spare key—can add up to major vulnerabilities.
If you want to keep your family and belongings safe, awareness is your first line of defense. Here are 12 of the most common rookie mistakes homeowners make that practically invite break-ins and how to fix them before it’s too late.
1. Hiding a Spare Key in the Most Obvious Places
It might feel smart to stash a spare key under the doormat, inside a flowerpot, or above the door frame “just in case,” but you’re not fooling anyone, especially not burglars. These are the first places any experienced thief will check. In fact, many break-ins involve absolutely no forced entry. Criminals walk right through the front door because they’ve found the homeowner’s not-so-secret hiding spot.
A better alternative is to leave a key with a trusted neighbor or use a smart lock that allows you to create temporary codes for guests. If you must hide a key on your property, use a high-quality lockbox in a discreet, hard-to-spot location.
2. Forgetting to Lock Doors and Windows During the Day
Many homeowners believe break-ins only happen at night, but that’s far from true. In fact, most burglaries occur in broad daylight, often between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when people are at work or running errands. Leaving a window cracked for “just a few minutes” or forgetting to lock the garage door when you’re inside can create the perfect opening for a thief.
Make a habit of locking all doors and windows every time you leave the house, even for a short walk or trip to the store. And check that your first-floor windows have working locks and aren’t left unlocked for ventilation.
3. Ignoring the Landscaping Around Entry Points
Overgrown shrubs, tall bushes, and dense trees can make your home more attractive to burglars, not less. These elements provide excellent cover for someone who wants to approach your house unnoticed or spend time picking a lock. Entry points that are obscured from view also make it harder for neighbors or passersby to see suspicious activity.
Keep your landscaping neat and well-trimmed, especially near windows and doors. Consider planting thorny or prickly plants beneath first-floor windows to deter anyone from loitering too close.
4. Using Cheap or Outdated Locks
Many homes, especially older ones, still rely on basic knob locks or decades-old deadbolts. These can be easily picked, bumped, or forced open with minimal effort and noise. If you’ve never changed your locks or upgraded your hardware, now is the time. Opt for high-quality, bump-resistant deadbolts and consider upgrading to smart locks with tamper alerts and remote monitoring features.
A good lock is one of the most important physical barriers between your home and a potential intruder, and it’s a mistake to treat it like an afterthought.
5. Leaving Ladders or Tools Lying Around
Leaving a ladder propped against your home or a set of tools outside might not seem like a big deal, but to a burglar, that’s practically an invitation. These items can be used to gain access to upper-story windows or break through locked entry points. Burglars often look for homes where the tools they need are left out for them. Even something as simple as a screwdriver or crowbar can help them force entry.
Always store ladders, power tools, and anything else that could assist a break-in securely in a locked garage or shed. Don’t leave them out overnight or when you’re away.
6. Broadcasting Travel Plans on Social Media
It’s tempting to post photos while you’re lounging on the beach or boarding a flight, but doing so essentially advertises that your home is unoccupied. Savvy criminals monitor social media platforms for exactly this kind of information. If your profile is public or even semi-public, you’re putting your home at risk every time you post a vacation selfie in real-time.
Wait until you’re back home to share trip photos, and never announce your departure online. Consider adjusting your privacy settings or limiting your posts to trusted friends only.
7. Leaving the Garage Door Open or Unlocked
Garages are one of the most vulnerable and often overlooked points of entry. Leaving your garage door open, even for a few minutes, gives would-be burglars a clear view of your belongings and potentially access to your home through an interior door. Worse, many garage side doors are made of weak materials and lack proper locks, making them an easy target.
Always close your garage door fully, even if you’re just inside for a moment. Install a deadbolt on the interior door, and consider a smart garage door controller that lets you check and close it remotely.
8. Failing to Install Motion-Activated Lights
Darkness is a burglar’s best friend. Homes without adequate lighting around entrances, driveways, and side yards are far more likely to be targeted. Motion-activated lights can be a major deterrent. When a would-be intruder suddenly finds themselves illuminated, they’re far more likely to abandon their plan and move on.
Install lighting near all entry points, including back doors, basement entrances, and garage access. Modern LED floodlights are inexpensive, energy-efficient, and simple to install.
9. Not Using a Home Security System
A home security system is one of the most effective deterrents to burglary, but many homeowners skip it due to cost concerns or the belief that it’s unnecessary. The reality is that homes without security systems are nearly three times more likely to be broken into. Even visible signage from a reputable alarm provider can make burglars think twice.
If a full-service system isn’t in your budget, consider DIY options with smart cameras, door/window sensors, and mobile alerts. There are excellent solutions now that cost less than $200 and offer 24/7 remote monitoring.
10. Ignoring Package Theft Risks
With more people shopping online, packages left on porches have become low-hanging fruit for opportunistic thieves. These grab-and-go thefts can happen in seconds and even in broad daylight. Letting packages sit outside for hours tells criminals that no one’s home and that your property might be worth a closer look.
Use delivery lockers, schedule shipments when you’ll be home, or have packages delivered to a neighbor or secure pickup location. A video doorbell can also capture footage of any suspicious activity near your front porch.
11. Leaving Valuables Visible Through Windows
Many homeowners don’t realize how much they’re advertising to potential burglars just by leaving blinds open. Electronics, jewelry, car keys, and expensive tools in plain view can be seen from the street, and that’s often all it takes to tempt a thief. At night, interior lights make your valuables even more visible. A quick glance through a living room window can show a flat-screen TV, gaming consoles, or even a handbag left on a chair.
Keep blinds or curtains drawn, especially at night or when you’re away. Store high-value items out of sight and away from windows and doors.
12. Assuming It Can’t Happen in “Safe” Neighborhoods
Perhaps the biggest rookie mistake of all is the belief that “it won’t happen here.” Whether you live in a quiet cul-de-sac, a gated community, or a suburban neighborhood with a low crime rate, complacency is dangerous. Burglars often target these “safe” areas because residents are less likely to be vigilant. They look for easy wins, and under-secured homes in affluent areas can provide exactly that.
Every home, regardless of location, benefits from thoughtful security practices. Don’t let your neighborhood’s reputation lull you into a false sense of safety.
Security Starts with Awareness
Break-ins don’t just happen. They’re often enabled by habits and oversights. The good news is that most of these mistakes are easy to correct. By addressing them proactively, you can reduce your risk and feel more confident that your home is truly protected.
Think of home security not as a one-time fix but as an ongoing mindset. Staying alert, updating your habits, and using the right tools can go a long way toward preventing your house from becoming a target. It’s not about paranoia. It’s about being smart, prepared, and ahead of the game.
Have you caught yourself making one of these mistakes or discovered a clever trick to boost your home’s security?
Read More:
10 Hiding Spots That Practically Hand Your Cash to Burglars
12 Fascinating Facts About the World of Burglary
Riley is an Arizona native with over nine years of writing experience. From personal finance to travel to digital marketing to pop culture, she’s written about everything under the sun. When she’s not writing, she’s spending her time outside, reading, or cuddling with her two corgis.
