Can you envision a burglar sneaking into your home? Most people cannot even imagine someone breaking into their well-lit home on their safe street. Home burglaries are a real threat and we have the details you may be surprised to learn.

What does a burglar look like? Does he throw a sack over his shoulder after slipping on his all-black attire and slinking through the night? This cartoon-like character is far away from today’s typical burglar.

The truth is, burglaries happen where and when we least expect them. Let’s look at the statistics to see how home burglaries in the United States really happen.

1. In the United States each year there are about 2.2 million burglaries. This averages to a burglary every 14 to 15 seconds.

2. The average arrest rate for burglaries in the United States is 13%. The chances of recovering stolen possessions after your home is burglarized is small.

3. A security system can make a huge difference in preventing theft. Homes without security systems are three times more likely to be broken into than homes with security systems.

4. Most burglaries occur in broad daylight between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., not in the dead of night like the movies lead us to believe.

5. Burglaries are quick- they typically last between 90 seconds and 12 minutes.

6. Homes with more windows and exterior doors are an easier target for burglars. Because of this, single-family detached houses are more likely to be targeted.

7. Most burglars are under the age of 25.

8. Middle-aged people are least likely to be victims of burglary, while students are the age group most likely to be burglarized. Elderly people are the next most likely.

9. The typical burglar isn’t a stranger. Many burglars live within 2 miles from the victim and may know or have interacted with the victim.

10. Burglaries might be too common, but it is reported that about 87% of burglaries are considered preventable. A home with many different security features is less likely to be the site of burglary.