Recognizing Burglar Personalities So You Don't Get Robbed

Burglars are individuals, but they also have common traits and characteristics. If you know what they are you can be better prepared for when and if they invade your home and life. The better you're prepared, the more you'll be able to foil their plans for robbing you blind, or hurting those that you love. My neighbor, just like the general public, seems to be unaware that the personality of a burglar will in general, dictate what type of burglary they'll commit. Be prepared by having a home security system installed in your home, and know how to use it too. Below is some information about burglar personalities and what you can do to defend yourself once they are inside your home.

One type of burglar is known for their unpredictable behaviors, but one thing is certain they don't care what they have to do to get what you have inside your home. They're over reactive and have little concern for life or property. If confronted they will attack, even if you happen to surprise them. People who steal to live have nothing have nothing else to live for, they have reached rock bottom. Make no mistake; they will not think twice about hurting you or your family so it is best to be protected and know what to do should a situation arise. No single neighborhood is crime free. It could happen anywhere, at anytime, to anyone.

Most burglars of this type have severe drug addiction problems, or even debts to pay, and some of them are alcoholics. They target homes with easy access, and the homes they target can range from upscale to the lower end neighborhoods. Over reactive burglars really like targeting homes where the elderly or sick live because they know there's not much that a surprised, weaker person can do to stop the burglary. If confronted with this type of burglar, your best bet for survival is to be totally cooperative by listening to any instructions, and stay out of their way. Don't attempt any fast moves to try to overpower them, it won't work. You're likely to get injured or killed in your own home.

Cooperating is key in protecting the things that you have. Insurance and personal funds can always replace merchandise and goods, but lives are fragile. If a burglar asks for something, give it to them or tell them where it is. You want to avoid confrontation at all costs. Persons that may be high on drugs or alcohol are quick to resort to violence, even if it doesn't get them what they want.

Another personality type of burglar is the professional. They are to be respected because they are as quiet as a mouse, and will if surprised, or feel there isn't any escape attack. Many professional burglars are armed with guns that will quickly do the job to get rid of you or any other witnesses. This type is highly agile, and can quickly restrain you with intimidating force from harming them. The professional is usually so good, even at entering second story houses, that you won't have a confrontation, but never consider that it can't happen to you.

Usually this type of burglar has planned their attack through observing your home and lifestyle patterns. This kind of burglar knows what time you leave for work and when you will return, when you go to sleep, and when you are awake at home. Burglars such as these will often secretly study your habits for a week or more, watching to see if you locked your car or the gate to the back lawn. They know if you leave windows open at night, and you can be sure they will choose a moment you are least expecting anything to happen.

They're well prepared with the tools of their trade, such as glass cutters, and jimmies to open your door and get in to burglarize. Most know how to deactivate older home security systems, so if yours isn't up to date, it would be a good thing to install a new one, this is especially true if you live in an up scale neighborhood. If you think one has broken in, do not confront, and just leave if possible. If they haven't seen you it is still possible to get away and call the police. Also, if you've been wise enough to have a panic room built, escape if possible to it. Don't come out until the police say it's okay to do so.

In order to prepare for a burglary (and it's true, you have to be prepared to be robbed) you should install a security system equipped with lights, alarms, and locks. Not just for the front door and garage either, but also for your windows, cellar entrances, sheds or barns you may have on the property, and gates surrounding your property. Make sure that you alarm and lock your car and never leave the keys in the ignition (even if it is in the locked garage).

Watch your neighborhood and know what's going on. After I was robbed twice in the same year I began watching who was coming and going from my neighborhood, who they were with, and what times. If you notice anything out of the ordinary like strangers talking on pay phones or walking though neighborhoods alert the authorities only when necessary, and keep your eye on them. If you notice persons taking photographs or recording other data let your neighbors know. Also watch out for "parkers" (people that sit in cars and watch what is going on or spy on people), it may be a sign that something is up. We don't live in on the set of a hit TV cop show so don't go crazy patrolling the neighborhood and making something out of nothing.

Listed below are a few good sites and a recently published book on the criminal mind:

http://www.fbi.gov At the FBI's site you can find special reports on burglary in the U.S. and a lot of other information that's included in special reports such as the such as the gender, age and race variables, as well as the Uniform Crime Report.

You can also check out the US Census Bureau from crime statistics on state and local levels at http://www.cenus.gov Take a look around this website for the latest on crime. The Anatomy of Motive written by John Douglass and Mark Olshaker written in 2004 is also a fascinating look into the criminal mind. John Douglass, one of the authors, was a former FBI agent.