Burglars don’t randomly pick houses. They observe. And what they look for might surprise you — it’s not always about alarms or fences.

Sometimes it’s the smallest details that scream: “Nobody’s home.”

Let’s break down the subtle but revealing signs burglars notice — and what you can do to outsmart them.

1. Uncollected Mail & Packages

It’s the most obvious giveaway — and one of the easiest to fix. A few days’ worth of newspapers, mail, or Amazon boxes on your porch says: “We’re gone.”

Fix it:

• Use a mail hold service or ask a neighbor to collect your deliveries
• Install a parcel box or redirect deliveries to a locker

2. Uniform Lighting Patterns

Burglars often scope houses at night. If your lights are off every night — or on in the exact same rooms — they’ll take note.

Fix it:

• Use smart plugs or timers to create random lighting patterns
• Alternate between different rooms to simulate activity

3. Quiet Windows & Driveways

No sound from inside. No movement in the driveway. No shadows through the windows. It’s almost too still.

Fix it:

• Leave a radio, TV, or smart speaker on a low volume inside
• Park a neighbor’s car in your driveway if you’re traveling

4. Closed Curtains in Every Room

People usually leave at least a few blinds slightly open. When every window is sealed tight — day and night — it signals a long-term absence.

Fix it:

• Leave a few blinds cracked or tilted
• Use sheer curtains for privacy without total blackout

5. Trash Cans That Never Move

Burglars will drive by on trash day. If your bins never go out — or sit empty while everyone else’s are full — it’s a red flag.

Fix it:

• Ask a neighbor to roll your bins in and out
• Put one bag of trash in each bin to make it look “used”

6. Social Media Over-Sharing

“Off to Goa for the week! ✈️”
You just told the world your house is empty — and you didn’t even lock the door yet.

Fix it:

• Delay vacation posts until after you return
• Keep your accounts private and avoid geo-tagging your location in real time

7. No Signs of Routine

No movement of curtains. No yard work. No door opens or closes for days. To a burglar, that’s enough to start planning.

Fix it:

• Schedule a friend or family member to check in occasionally
• Use smart blinds or motion-triggered devices to simulate activity

Final Thoughts

Burglars aren’t always looking for fancy security systems — they’re looking for easy opportunities. And often, it’s the houses that look empty that get targeted first.

The good news? Most of these signs are easy to fix. A few small changes can keep your home looking lived-in, even when you’re a thousand miles away.

👉 Want more ways to secure your home like a pro? Explore our Home Security tips and guides.