Burglary is a serious crime that can have a significant impact on individuals and communities. According to the latest burglary statistics for the year 2024, the overall rate of burglaries in the United States has decreased slightly compared to the previous year. However, despite this decrease, burglaries continue to be a common occurrence in many parts of the country.
What is burglary and home invasion?
Have you ever wondered what burglary and home invasion are all about? Well, burglary is when someone sneaks into a building with the intention of stealing something or committing another crime. It's often called "breaking and entering," but it doesn't always involve breaking anything. Burglary can happen in any kind of building, like a store or even an airplane. Home invasion is when someone breaks into a house while people are inside, with the goal of scaring them, hurting them, or committing another crime.
In the eyes of the law, burglary can be more or less serious. First, second, and third-degree burglaries are usually considered felonies, which are serious crimes. A fourth-degree burglary, if it's recognized, is usually a misdemeanor, which is a less serious offense. Just remember, the severity of burglary and the punishments for it can vary depending on the state you're in.
First-degree burglary is the most serious. This is when someone breaks into a home with a deadly weapon and plans to steal or hurt the person inside.
Second-degree burglary is similar, but it happens in places like businesses or sheds, not homes.
Third-degree burglary is when someone breaks in, but it's not clear why. There's no violence involved.
Fourth-degree burglary is when someone steals things from outside homes or businesses, like from fenced-in yards.
When do burglaries usually occur?
Did you know that most burglaries occur during the day, while people are at work or school? According to ADT, robbers are more likely to strike between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., particularly during lunchtime. So it's critical to ensure that your home is secure even when the sun shines!
Burglaries are more common in large cities than in rural areas. Crime rates are three to four times greater in cities. So, if you live in a city, you should take extra care to defend your home.
Previous Justice Department investigations found that burglary victims knew the burglar 30% of the time, while the burglar was a stranger in 24% of the cases. Most of the time (46 percent), the burglar's identity was unknown.
Who is targeted by burglars?
According to FBI property crime data, the majority of burglaries in the United States occur on private residential properties. According to software business The Porch Group, Southern states continuously have a higher risk of theft than those in the Northeast, with dollars and jewelry being the most often targeted items.
According to 2019 crime report data, rural places are more dangerous than highly populated cities. Renters have always been at a higher risk of burglary than homeowners, according to data from the United States Department of Justice. However, the deficit is shrinking. According to SafeWise's 2023 State of Safety Report, the rate is about even, with 28 percent of renters experiencing property crime against 27 percent of homeowners.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics' National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), households with a combined income of at than $75,000 are the least likely to be burglarized in all regions of the United States in 2022. Households with annual incomes of less than $25,000 are more likely to be victimized overall. And larger households—those with six or more residents—are more vulnerable than single- or dual-resident houses.
2024 Statistics
In 2024, there were an estimated 1.2 million burglaries reported to law enforcement agencies across the United States. This represents a decrease of about 2% compared to the previous year, but it still means that a burglary occurred every 30 seconds somewhere in the country.
The financial impact of burglaries is also significant. In 2024, the estimated loss due to burglaries was over $14 billion, with the average burglary costing homeowners and businesses around $12,000. These costs include not only the value of stolen goods but also the damage caused by burglars during the break-in.
The good news is that the rate of burglaries has been declining over the past decade. In 2010, there were an estimated 2.2 million burglaries reported, which is nearly double the number reported in 2024. This decline can be attributed to a number of factors, including advances in home security technology, increased community awareness, and stronger law enforcement efforts.
Are you at risk?
Despite this downward trend, certain groups and areas remain at a higher risk of burglaries. For example, homes with no security systems are twice as likely to be burglarized compared to those with security systems. Additionally, burglaries are more common in urban areas, with cities like Los Angeles, Houston, and New York consistently ranking among the top cities for burglaries.
The time of day also plays a role in burglaries, with most burglaries occurring during the day when homes are more likely to be unoccupied. However, it is worth noting that nighttime burglaries do still occur and can be particularly violent in nature.
In conclusion, while the latest burglary statistics for 2024 show a slight decrease in the overall rate of burglaries, the crime still remains a significant issue in the United States. With an estimated 1.2 million burglaries occurring in 2024 and a total financial loss of over $14 billion, it is clear that more needs to be done to prevent and deter this type of criminal activity. By investing in home security systems, staying aware of community safety initiatives, and working closely with law enforcement, individuals and communities can help reduce the risk of burglaries and keep their homes and businesses safe.
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