The 4 Biggest Mistakes People Make Before a Break-In Happens

Home and business break-ins often come without warning, but they rarely happen at random. In most cases, burglars take advantage of patterns, oversights, and complacency. The scariest part? Many break-ins could be prevented with just a few proactive security measures.

At Falcon Security, we’ve helped countless homeowners, property managers, and business owners secure their premises after an incident. But we believe prevention is always better than recovery. Let’s break down the four biggest mistakes people make before a break-in happens—and what you can do differently today.

The Biggest Security Mistakes That Lead to Break-Ins:

1. Thinking "It Won’t Happen to Me"

The first—and arguably most dangerous—mistake is assuming that break-ins happen to "other people." Whether it’s a quiet neighborhood or a well-lit commercial block, criminals often target areas where residents or business owners have let their guard down.

Why This Is Risky:

• Burglars tend to look for easy wins. An unsecured door, no security signage, or lack of visible surveillance is an open invitation.
• Criminals often do their homework. A location that hasn’t had any issues may be viewed as ripe for the picking.

What You Can Do:

• Conduct a full security risk assessment with a professional.
• Install visible deterrents like Falcon Security signage, patrol notices, or CCTV cameras.
• Talk to a Falcon Security expert about customized residential or commercial security solutions tailored to your location.

👉 Explore our Residential & Commercial Security Services

2. Relying on Outdated or DIY Security Systems

Having a security camera from 2010 or a DIY alarm system you installed yourself may seem sufficient—but outdated or improperly installed tech gives you a false sense of safety.

Why This Is Risky:

• Criminals are savvy. Many know how to disable basic alarm systems or avoid camera blind spots.
• DIY systems often have gaps in coverage, weak Wi-Fi connections, or slow response times.

What You Can Do:

• Upgrade to Falcon Security’s modern, cloud-connected surveillance systems.
• Let a professional handle camera placement to eliminate blind spots.
• Integrate alarms with 24/7 monitoring and mobile alerts.

👉 Check out our Security Camera Installation Services

3. Ignoring Suspicious Activity or Not Reporting It

Too often, people notice something odd—a car circling the block, a stranger scoping out the area—but choose to ignore it or delay reporting it until it’s too late.

Why This Is Risky:

• Criminals often case a property days or even weeks before a break-in.
• Failure to act allows burglars to gain intel and plan undisturbed.

What You Can Do:

• Report suspicious behavior immediately to authorities or your security provider.
• Hire mobile patrol or on-site security guards from Falcon Security for vulnerable timeframes.
• Encourage neighborhood or commercial watch programs with shared security coverage.

👉 Learn about our Security Guard & Mobile Patrol Services

4. Not Having a Security Presence During Vulnerable Hours

Break-ins most commonly occur between 10 AM and 3 PM for homes and after midnight for businesses. Yet many properties are left completely unmonitored during these windows.

Why This Is Risky:

• Unattended properties become soft targets.
• Without live security or remote monitoring, a break-in might go undetected for hours.

What You Can Do:

• Install motion-activated surveillance and remote viewing capabilities.
• Use on-demand or nightly patrol services from Falcon Security.
• For businesses, consider after-hours security personnel on site.

Why Choose Falcon Security?

Falcon Security has earned a reputation for offering highly trained personnel, top-tier surveillance systems, and responsive monitoring. Our custom-tailored security solutions are designed to adapt to your unique needs—whether it's securing a high-end retail store or a multi-residential apartment complex.

From real-time security guards to intelligent camera systems, we deliver peace of mind so you can stop worrying—and start protecting what matters most.

🛡️ Talk to a Falcon Security Specialist Today

Final Thoughts

Break-ins don't just happen—they're often invited by the mistakes we make unknowingly. The good news? All four of these errors are completely preventable. Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, or business owner, there’s no better time than now to review and strengthen your security strategy.

Let Falcon Security help you bridge the gaps before it's too late.

FAQs:

1. What’s the most common time break-ins happen?

   Most residential break-ins occur between 10 AM and 3 PM, while businesses are typically targeted late at night.
   
   

2. Can outdated security systems be hacked?

   Yes. Older systems without encryption or mobile updates are far more vulnerable to hacking.
   
   

3. How do burglars "case" a property before breaking in?

   They observe patterns—when people leave, where cameras are placed, or whether doors/windows are frequently left unlocked.
   
   

4. What is a security risk assessment?

   It’s a professional review of your property’s vulnerabilities, used to recommend specific security measures.
   
   

5. Are dummy cameras a good deterrent?

   Not really. Most criminals can identify fake cameras. It’s always better to invest in real surveillance.
   
   

6. What’s better—security cameras or guards?

   They serve different purposes. Cameras provide surveillance and evidence, while guards offer active deterrence and response.
   
   

7. How can Falcon Security help after a break-in?

   We provide immediate response, property assessments, and fast deployment of security personnel or surveillance upgrades.
   
   

8. What’s the advantage of mobile patrols?

   Mobile patrols cover multiple areas on a rotating schedule, deterring criminal behavior with visibility and unpredictability.
   
   

9. How much does professional security cost?

   Costs vary by service and property size, but Falcon Security offers competitive packages for all budgets.
   
   

10. Can I monitor Falcon-installed cameras from my phone?

    Yes. Our modern systems offer real-time mobile access and cloud storage features.