A home invasion is more than just criminals stealing your belongings.
It’s an invasion of your privacy and often leaves people feeling unsafe in their own homes.
Even if you haven’t suffered a home invasion, the thought of one can leave you feeling vulnerable and perhaps even, powerless.
The good news is you’re not. By understanding the following home invasion statistics you’ll be able to formulate a plan that allows you to protect your home.
It’s worth noting that a burglary is defined as someone illegally entering your home.
It doesn’t matter if they take your belongings or not, they have effectively committed a crime against your building!
In contrast, a robbery is when your belongings are taken from you, at home or on the street, with the use of or threatened use of force.
Finally, a home invasion is when someone forces their way into your home and intends to commit a criminal act, such as assaulting you.
Key Statistics
- On average there are 2.5 million burglaries per year in the US
- 1.65 million are designated as home invasions
- 72% of burglaries happen when no one is home
- Just 25% of US homes have an alarm system
- Less than 14% of burglars are apprehended
- Visible uncollected post tells criminals there is no one at home
- The most common time for a break-in is between 10 am and 3 PM
- 34% of burglars come through unlocked front doors
- 23% enter via a first floor window
- Every convicted burglar asked admits to knocking on the door first
Top Home Invasion Statistics in 2025
1. On Average There Are 2.5 Million Burglaries Per Year In The US
The FBI creates an annual report illustrating various criminal offenses, including burglaries.
It shows an average of 2.5 million burglaries every year.
Interestingly, this figure decreased in 2020, likely a direct result of the global pandemic and more people being forced to stay at home.
Official reports suggest a decrease in burglaries of 9%.
Naturally, commercial burglaries and car thefts increased to compensate for the reduction in home burglaries.
The survey showed that most break-ins happen in July and August, while February is the least popular month for burglaries.
(FBI)
2. 1.65 Million Are designated As Home Invasions
The latest FBI reports suggest that two thirds of burglaries can be classified as home invasions.
It should be clarified that you don’t need to be home for it to be called a home invasion.
The intent to commit a crime can be against the property or simply stealing your belongings.
Whether you are home or not, you don’t want to be a victim of a home invasion, that’s why you need to know how to protect your home.
(FBI)
3. 72% Of Burglaries Happen When No One Is Home
The FBI report goes further and indicates that in the majority of cases the illegal entry to your home happens when no one is home.
While the thought of someone watching your home to make sure it is empty is alarming, it’s reassuring to know that, in most cases, the burglars are simply after your belongings, not you personally.
(FBI)
4. Just 25% Of US Homes Have An Alarm System
The annual FBI report shows that approximately 25% of US homes have an alarm system.
That means 75% are doing very little or nothing to prevent a burglary from happening.
Studies show that homes without an alarm system are more likely to be targeted by burglars and 300% more likely to be robbed!
These are statistics the alarm industry should be using to sell home security systems.
Interestingly, regardless of alarms, burglars are less likely to break into a house with a big dog.
(FBI)
5. Less Than 14% Of Burglars Are Apprehended
As soon as you learn of a home invasion you need to contact the police and file a report.
This gives you a case number that can be used to claim against your home insurance.
Unfortunately, burglars are rarely caught. A lack of evidence means that, even if they can be identified, they can’t be arrested or prosecuted.
It’s helped by the fact that the average burglar takes just 10 minutes, they don’t have time to leave any evidence!
Just 13.6% of burglars are located and arrested.
(FBI)
6. Visible Uncollected Post Tells Criminals There Is No One At Home
A recent survey highlighted the importance of checking and moving your post.
Convicted burglars admitted that a home with uncollected post immediately sparks their interest.
Uncollected post increases the likelihood that the homeowners aren’t present.
As most burglars prefer to break in without anyone in the property, untouched post is a real no-no for homeowners.
Burglars can feel confident of their assessment if your bins are overflowing and if the curtains are open, allowing them to peer into the property.
(Federal Bureau Of Justice)
7. The Most Common Time For A Break-In Is Between 10 am And 3 PM
The 2019 FBI report showed that 45% of burglaries occurred during the day.
Most often these were done between 10 am and 3 pm, the time when people are most likely to be at work and the house is empty.
A further 39% of burglaries happen at night.
However, even when the burglary is committed at night, in most cases there is no one home.
(FBI)
8. 34% Of Burglars Come Through Unlocked Front Doors
An ADT survey highlighted an alarming fact, 34% of burglars enter a house through an unlocked front door.
That means, in 34% of cases you are effectively inviting a burglar in and they don’t need to do anything to gain access to your property!
Once in, the survey showed that 75% of burglars will head straight for the bedroom; Interestingly, only 26% will search a study or a home office.
Just 16% will look for valuables in a bathroom.
(ADT)
9. 23% Enter Via A First Floor Window
Most burglars will not venture to the second-floor windows, although that doesn’t mean they are safe to be left open.
However, first-floor windows are an easy target. 23% of burglars will enter through an unsecured first-floor window.
If necessary, and they can do so discreetly, they will break the window to get in.
(ADT)
10. Every Convicted Burglar Asked Admits To Knocking On The Door First
Most burglars will study a house first to see who lives there, whether an alarm system works, and whether there are enough valuables to be worth breaking in.
However, when KGW8 asked convicted burglars about the act of breaking in, they discovered that everyone they asked, knocked on the door before they got started.
The theory is straightforward, if someone answers the burglar can say ‘wrong house’.
If no one answers they know they can continue with their home invasion.
(KGW8)
How To Protect Your Home
It can be scary to think about all the ways in which a home invasion could happen and how often they occur.
However, you can take steps to reduce the risk of it happening to you.
Don’t Post Plans On Social Media
This should be obvious but many people get excited about a vacation and want to share it with others.
Unfortunately, if you post your holiday plans then anyone that can see your account will know you’re away.
They can work out your address and are free to take their time breaking into your home and stealing everything.
Get Someone To Check Your Home While You’re Away
One of the biggest signs that you’re not at home is post building up and bins not emptied.
Even putting lights on timers can alert a burglar to the fact you’re not home.
After all, the lights will come on at the same time every day.
Instead of worrying while on vacation, get a friend or family member to drop by your home each day.
They can make sure everything is tidy and even move a few things around, ensuring any burglar thinks there is someone home.
Get An Alarm Fitted
Considering a house without an alarm is 300% more likely to be robbed, it’s a good idea to fit an alarm.
You can fit one with smart controls, allowing you to turn it on and off remotely.
A good one should also come with a smart camera, which will allow you to visually check your home, regardless of where you are in the world.
Consider Getting A Big Dog
A dog is a big responsibility. However, if you are up to the task then a big dog is an excellent way to persuade burglars to try a different house.
As mentioned, burglars will generally leave houses with big dogs alone, they don’t know how they will react.
If a big dog isn’t an option, a sign warning people that you have a dog can often help deter burglars.
Leave Your Radio On
If they are conducting a daytime home invasion, burglars will knock on your front door.
When you don’t answer they are likely to try the front door. If it’s locked they will often walk around the place before breaking in.
If you leave a radio on relatively quietly, then the burglar will be able to hear voices.
This can often be enough to send them packing.
Just make sure you use a battery-powered radio in case there are any electrical issues while you’re enjoying your vacation
Invest In A Good Safe
Hopefully, you’ll have taken enough precautions to prevent anyone from breaking in.
But, if they do manage to get in, it’s a good idea to have a safe installed.
You must choose one that can be bolted to the floor or wall, this will stop burglars simply walking away with the safe.
If possible, hide the safe to make it difficult for a burglar to know it is there.
Hide Your Valuables
You can’t hide your valuables every time you leave the house. But, you shouldn’t definitely hide any when you are going on vacation.
Burglars will target the bedroom first, followed by the living room and then any study or office.
They will also check living room storage, any pots and pans, and other relatively obvious places.
However, according to reports, burglars rarely, if ever, check cereal boxes, toy boxes, or under the sofa.
Hide your valuables in one of these places and, if they do break in, they are unlikely to find them.
Claiming After A Home Invasion
If you’re the victim of a home invasion and you have home insurance you’ll want to make a claim.
The average burglary takes $3,000 worth of property.
That’s a significant sum and you’ll be glad you have insurance.
The first step to recuperating your loss is to file a police report.
Simply contact them to tell them you’ve been burgled and they will handle everything for you, including issuing you a police report.
Next, before you do anything, take photos of everything that was damaged during the burglary.
You’ll also want to create a list of everything that was taken.
If you have pictures of the items from before they were taken, do copies of them.
You can now contact your insurance company. They will help you create a claim.
The insurance company will want your police report and the photos you’ve taken. This process should be quick and simple.
You’ll then be able to tidy the mess and repair any damage.
Just remember to keep your receipts when doing this, the insurance company may want to see them.
Summing Up
The home invasion statistics for 2025 tell you that a home is broken into every 30 seconds.
While this is alarming, the same statistics show you there are several ways to reduce your risk.
Take a few moments to check your home today and make sure it is secure.
To avoid being a target you simply need to convince a burglar there is someone at home and there are easier homes to try.
