| Just who is the burglar in America these days? Research done by the FBI, and other agencies, reveals some surprises...
First of all, there are three main types of burglars.
The true professional (middle aged)
The hardened criminal (middle aged)
The amateur (young, and getting younger) --usually on drugs
Lets look at the true professional first. Generally he, but sometimes she, knows that there is a significant difference in the penalty for burglary versus assault, and as a consequence NEVER carries a weapon. As unlikely as it may be, if they have a confrontation with you, they would much rather be arrested for burglary than murder. No diamond necklace is worth going to prison for the rest of your life. He/she is generally only after a single item of great value, like a $ 500,000. diamond necklace or a $ 2,000,000. painting that is known to be kept in the house. No alarm system will be able to keep him/her out. If you keep all of your multi-million dollar baubles in a safety deposit box or vault at the bank, you don't have to worry too much about the true professional.
The hardened criminal is also not one for you to be overly concerned about because he usually burglarizes businesses at night. In general, very little residential burglary is committed by this individual because he has to steal so much stuff to make it worthwhile. The average "take" from a home is only worth 10% of its original purchase price! A $ 500. TV will only bring-in about $ 50. It's not worth his time, or effort.
The average residential burglar in America today has a well defined profile. He is young, and getting younger. Frequently he is from 12 to 18 years of age. He is generally addicted to, or at least often uses, drugs of one form or another. He is unsophisticated in his method of entry to a home. He usually smashes a window pane in a door and reaches inside to unlock and open it.
Now, here's a double surprise to most people:
He usually lives within a mile of the homes he burglarizes.
(Because he walks, and doesn't have a car.)
He is almost always a youngster who resides in the neighborhood!
(Or a very nearby neighborhood.)
Although he is young, he is exceedingly dangerous because his reaction is often irrantional should a confrontation occur. It is impossible to predict whether he will fight, or turn to flee. Although he seldom carries a weapon, anything close at hand can easily become one. You definitely do not want to come home and surprise him when he is in your house.
Fortunately, because he's unsophisticated, and his actions unless startled by an unexpected homeowner are highly predictable, he is easy to protect against (with a simple but effective alarm system). | |
