Assume you're under surveillance if you see someone repeatedly over time, in different environments and over distance. For good measure, a conspicuous display of poor demeanor, or the person acting unnaturally, is another sign that you might be under surveillance.
According to a crime analysis by Vivint Smart Home, 50.3% of burglaries occur at night between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. while the other half (49.7%) happen in daylight hours. For clarity sake, Vivint, which was recently acquired by energy giant NRG, makes sure to clarify the difference between larceny/theft and burglary.
Social anxiety can make individuals prone to constantly worrying about being watched — but typically only when they're in public. However, for those, like me, who feel watched even when they're alone, the perpetual fear might be a result of formative childhood experiences.
You can also keep intruders off your property by posting a notice on the property, in a place where an intruder is likely to see it, or by putting up a fence or some other enclosure around your property.
These are the most common points of entry for home break-ins: Front door: 34% of burglars twist the doorknob and walk right in. First-floor windows: 23% use a first-floor open window to break into your home. Back door: 22% come in through the back door.
Remember that the vast majority of home invaders are chasing easy-to-sell valuables and aren't there with the intent of harming residents. According to the FBI, most burglars don't intentionally choose targets when residents are home, so they're surprised to discover people in the house.
Further information can be found in Crime Victimisation, Australia, 2021-22. Grab 1. The Crime Victimisation Survey showed us that 2% of households experienced a break-in during 2021-22. So, we're talking about 195,000 households across the country.
Some studies have found that up to 94% of people report that they have experienced the feeling of eyes upon them and turned around to find out they were indeed being watched.
He concluded that in situations where we're not certain where a person is looking, our brain informs us that we're being watched — just in case there's a potential interaction. “A direct gaze can signal dominance or a threat, and if you perceive something as a threat, you would not want to miss it,” Clifford said.
If you leave objects in one place and find them in another not long after, or if you notice things like cabinet doors open, books rearranged, furniture shifted, or appliances left on that you swore you turned off, then it's possible an unwanted guest has been moving throughout your home.
If your door is ajar and you left it locked, you can be sure someone is inside. Alternately, you might notice a window which is open or smashed in, or a door handle which has been dented as if by a hammer or other heavy object. These signs indicate that someone is in your house who shouldn't be there.
When a thief breaks into your house, you can assume they know what they're looking for. Expensive items that have the highest resale value are typically the prime targets. However, you might be surprised to learn that less expensive household items, like medications, are also commonly stolen in home invasions.
Your attic is not likely to be visited by a burglar because they are usually hard to find and access. So, it is always a good idea to store valuables in attic storage containers. As an extra safety precaution make sure to mark them with labels like “winter clothes” or “old shoes” to throw a burglar off of your scent.
Make sure to pay for monitoring so police are called as soon as the alarm sounds. Affix security labels on windows and doors and install a sign at the front entry so burglars will bypass your home when scouting for their next victim. Most important of all, make sure you arm the system every time you leave the house.
The first place most burglars look is the master bedroom [2]. Many burglars then move on to a study, library, or office where electronics are located. Bathrooms are also popular, where the thief goes through your medicine cabinet. Various cabinets and drawers throughout the house.
Similarly, your 24-hour outdoor light doesn't really deter burglars. Instead, they'll be thankful for the light it provides them with. With a light on, burglars can see any obstacles that could create noise, and will also highlight any weak points or entry points around your home.
Biometric safes are the most secure type of safe. They are considered “high security” safes and demand a steep price. However, due to their quality, it is incredibly difficult to break into a biometric safe.
Ask them to leave.
Let them know that you are serious. Say, for example, “John, I'd like you to leave by the end of the week.” Try to be polite. For example, say “We've really enjoyed having you stay with us, but its best for everyone if you move on to your next destination.”
You can block spam calls by silencing all unknown callers on your phone, installing spam-filtering apps, and registering your number on the national Do Not Call Registry (call 1-888-382-1222 or 1-866-290-4236 for TTY callers).
Be direct and turn them away.
If they show up unannounced say something like, “Hi! I'd love to catch up but wish you'd let me know beforehand. I'm not free today.” If they're asking to stay at your house try, “I'm sorry, but we can't host right now” or “Unfortunately, it won't work for us to host.”