Seven facts about residential burglary West Midlands

Good Evening Residents,

West Midlands Police publishes a specific list of seven facts about residential burglary

The seven core facts identified by the force are:

1. Burglars are Opportunistic, Not Masterminds

·         Most intruders prey on vulnerable houses and flats rather than planning complex heists.

·         They actively seek out easy openings, such as doors and windows left unlatched or unlocked.

·         Taking simple, smart preventative steps is often enough to make them move on.

2. High-Value Packaging Acts as an Open Invitation

·         Burglars choose properties they assume contain expensive, flip-ready items.

·         Leaving boxes from new TVs, game consoles, or designer goods outside your door is a "sure giveaway".

·         Breaking down boxes and keeping them hidden in bins prevents advertising your purchases.

3. Openings and Vulnerable Features are Actively Exploited

·         Intruders do not look for a challenge; they look for weak spots they can exploit quickly.

·         Ground floor windows left cracked open or older door frames are prime targets.

·         Keeping windows locked—even during warm weather—dramatically reduces risk.

4. Criminals Memorise and Track School Runs and Holidays

·         Thieves pay attention to local patterns to determine when a house will be empty.

·         The afternoon school run and school holiday windows are peak times for local break-ins.

·         Making a property look occupied during these specific hours acts as a powerful shield.

5. Exposure to Neighbours is a Thief's Greatest Fear

·         Burglars generally have a strong aversion to being seen or heard.

·         If they believe a neighbour or passer-by will notice them, they feel exposed and abandon the attempt.

·         Lower front fences (around 1 metre) are recommended because they remove hiding spots.

6. High-Value Vehicles are the Primary Target

·         Many residential break-ins in the West Midlands are specifically motivated by a vehicle parked outside.

·         Thieves choose a house because they want to steal a specific car, motorcycle, or bicycle.

·         They break into the home because they know the keys are highly likely to be stored just inside the door.

7. Key Fishing is Preferable to Forced Entry

·         Intruders will attempt to steal your keys without ever setting foot inside the property.

·         They use hooks, magnets, or wire rods through letterboxes and cat flaps to "fish" for keys left on nearby tables.

·         Keeping car and house keys completely out of sight and away from the front door neutralises this tactic.

Regards.

LPA - Dudley Central Team 2

“Prevent Harm, Protect People, and Build Trust”