Peak Home Break-In Times Uncovered

Peak Burglary Times You Need to Know

Home security cameras and smart systems are game-changers, but timing is everything. After testing dozens of models, we dug into when homes are most at risk. Interviews with over 80 apprehended burglars and crime data reveal three standout windows: early afternoon, summer days, and midnight.

1. Midday (10am–3pm)

Most burglars strike when visibility is high and homeowners are away. Data from a KGW8 Portland study shows a spike between 12:30pm and 2:30pm. Lunch breaks and errands end, leaving houses empty. Thieves also blend in more easily by pretending to be visitors.

Targets of choice include cash, jewelry, small electronics and even firearms—anything that can be sold quickly. Signs of these valuables or weak front-door locks can invite intruders.

2. Summer Months (June–August)

Warm, long days are perfect for casing neighborhoods without ice or snow slowing burglars down. Research from Arizona State University confirms burglaries peak in August, climbing steadily from June.

3. Midnight Surprise

Though rare relative to daytime, around 6% of break-ins happen at midnight. Darkness and assumed homeowner sleep make this slot attractive. An unexpected secondary spike means your system’s night-mode settings matter.

Smart Steps to Stay Secure

Use these insights to automate your system’s arming and lighting schedules. Ensure doors auto-lock during peak windows and cameras send instant alerts when motion is detected. A few tweaks can dramatically reduce your risk.

• Schedule active surveillance and alerts between 12pm–3pm
• Program vacation-mode routines for June through August
• Enable night-vision lights and auto-locks at midnight

Understanding these peak burglary windows lets you harness the full power of your IoT security setup. By aligning schedules and automations with real crime data, you stay one step ahead of intruders.