How to protect your home against property crime

Crime in the United States is a complex issue – baffling scholars, lawmakers, policymakers, and the general public. Moreover, the nation experiences a wide spectrum of criminal activities. These range from property crimes and white-collar offenses to violent acts and cybercrimes. 

Understanding the patterns, causes, and consequences of crime around you can help maintain public as well as individual safety.

As per the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, property crime is notably more frequent than violent crime.

Read more: Which are some of the safest U.S. cities?

What is property crime?

Property crime refers to criminal offenses that involve the theft, destruction, or unauthorized use of another person’s property. Such crimes are characterized by the intent to deprive the rightful owner of their property or to damage it. Property crimes are distinct from violent crimes, which involve physical harm or force against individuals. Property crimes can include a range of activities, from minor offenses such as shoplifting to more serious crimes such as burglary and arson.

What are the most common types of property crime in the U.S.?

Different forms of property crimes include:

• Burglary: Unauthorized entry into a building or property (residential or commercial). The intent is to commit theft or vandalism. 
• Larceny/theft/motor vehicle theft: The unlawful taking away of someone else’s personal property. This includes both petty theft and grand theft of valuable items.
• Robbery: The use of force, threat, or intimidation to take another person’s property directly from their possession. Unlike burglary, robbery involves direct confrontation with the victim.
• Arson: Intentionally setting fire to another person’s property, such as buildings, vehicles, or land. Arson can cause significant damage, danger to life, and economic loss.
• Vandalism: Willful destruction, damage, or defacement of another person’s property, such as graffiti, breaking windows, or damaging vehicles.
• Embezzlement: The misappropriation or theft of funds entrusted to an individual’s care, often within a business or organization context. This may involve employees or individuals taking care of real estate trusts.
• Forgery: Creating or altering a document, signature, or other item with the intent to deceive, defraud, or commit a crime.
• Shoplifting: Stealing merchandise from physical stores or retail establishments without paying for it. Shoplifting can range from minor incidents to organized theft rings.
• Carjacking: Using force or threat of force to take a person’s vehicle from them.
• Identity theft: Unauthorized use of someone else’s personal information, such as their name, Social Security number, or financial accounts, for fraudulent purposes.
• Cybercrime: Illegally accessing or damaging computer systems, networks, or electronic devices to steal information, commit fraud, or disrupt services.
• Trespassing: Unauthorized entry onto another person’s property, either with or without intent to commit a crime.

What causes property crime?

Several factors can contribute to property crime:

• High levels of poverty and unemployment can drive people to commit property crimes.
• Easy access to properties with insufficient security measures can encourage criminals to commit theft or burglary.
• Drug addiction or substance abuse can lead individuals to commit property crimes to support their habits.
• Individuals without proper social support systems might turn to a life of crime due to a lack of resources.
• Influence from peers or involvement in criminal networks can lead individuals to engage in property crime.
• Areas with limited law enforcement presence may experience higher rates of property crime due to decreased risk of apprehension.
• Societal norms and values can influence perceptions of property crime. And, contribute to its prevalence in certain communities.

Want to know the property crime in your area?

If you’re looking to buy a home in a new neighborhood, you’d want to know the crime rate in the area. Kukun iHomeReport provides a proprietary property crime score of any place within minutes! 

That is to say, it will give you valuable insights into the safety of the neighborhood you want to buy a house in. 

You’ll also get to know how the property crime rate compares to nearby neighborhoods or the national average. You can then make an informed decision about whether to invest in real estate there or not. Or, how to take appropriate precautions to protect your new home and belongings.

How to safeguard your home and yourself against property crime?

Protecting your home from burglars demands proactive measures in today’s prevalent property crime landscape. So, here’s how to shield your home and personal safety from property crime:

• Employ a robust alarm system and a fire alarm, diligently maintaining them. Modern home alarm systems can establish a direct link with law enforcement. And, this can promptly notify them of any suspicious activities.
• Integrate motion sensors in strategic locations to preemptively detect potential intruders.
• Exercise vigilance within your neighborhood by exchanging information with neighbors. Community-based programs that promote neighborhood watch and information sharing can play a pivotal role in reducing property crime rates.
• Promptly communicate any dubious activities to the police for immediate investigation.
• Install a home security system that allows third-party monitoring or remote surveillance through your smartphone or computer.
• Ensure the locking of doors and windows upon leaving your residence each time.

Read more: What are RESPA and dodd frank?

What to do if someone occupies your house or land, illegally?

Dealing with an unauthorized occupant in your home involves these steps:

• Politely ask the occupant to leave, explaining their presence without your permission isn’t welcome.
• Check if they have any legal right to be on the property. For instance, it could be a former tenant with an expired lease agreement. Or, simply a trespasser.
• Gather your property ownership documents to prove your property rights.
• Contact local law enforcement authorities if they refuse to leave.
• Issue an official eviction notice to ex-tenants or claimants in accordance with state laws.
• Seek legal advice by consulting a real estate attorney.
• Get a restraining order if your safety becomes an issue.
• Keep records of all interactions and incidents.
• Change your house locks to prevent unauthorized entry.
• Take legal action against the troublemaker. If needed, go to court for eviction after following proper legal procedures.

Read more: How to prevent squatting

Last thoughts

Efforts to combat property crime involve a combination of law enforcement initiatives, community engagement, and personal vigilance. By being aware and implementing preventive measures, it’s possible to create a safer and a more secure living environment for ourselves.

Read more: What is steering in real estate?

Written by Ramona Sinha. October 22, 2023

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.