Burglars don’t just “randomly” pick houses. They watch, they test, they plan. And if you don’t spot the 10 signs your house is being watched by robbers early, you’re making their job way too easy.
The good news? There are patterns. Burglars leave clues. Once you know what to look for, you can shut them down before they ever make a move. Here’s how to spot the signs and keep your home—or condo—off their target list.
In this blog post, we’re diving into the crucial indicators that your home may be targeted for theft or burglary. It’s vital to recognize these signs because potential intruders often scout out their targets beforehand.
Let’s explore what this actually entails and how you can spot the warning signs.
What does “casing a house” mean?
Casing a house refers to the process burglars use to assess a home before attempting a break-in. It involves gathering information about the property, the owner’s habits, security measures, and potential vulnerabilities.
The goal is to find the best time and method to enter undetected and leave without getting caught.
How do burglars “case” a house?
Buglars don’t just break in randomly—they plan. Here’s how they typically do it:
Watching ⇾ Testing responses ⇾ Checking security
Watching the home:
They monitor when residents leave and return, checking for patterns in work schedules, school runs, or vacations.
Testing responses:
They might knock on the door, pose as delivery workers, or pretend to need help to see if anyone is home.
Checking security:
They look for alarms, cameras, weak entry points, or even unlocked doors and windows.
Leaving markers:
Some criminals use subtle signals like chalk marks, flyers, or trash left behind to track activity around the house.
They may walk around the neighborhood pretending to be joggers, dog walkers, or utility workers while taking notes on potential targets. The purpose of casing a house is to gather the following information:
- Your schedule. They attempt to track when you leave, when you return, and how long you’re away.
- Weak entry points. They make a thorough round to check for unlocked windows, assess the quality of your locks, and identify unnoticed entry points like a hidden side door.
- Security. A house without cameras, alarms, or motion lights is an easy target, especially since there would be no evidence of someone entering.
- Neighbors who don’t pay attention. Large bungalows are often isolated and tend to have less foot traffic. With no one watching or reporting activity, they become the perfect target.
- Signs of money. If you have a large garage with fancy cars, expensive packages, or big TVs in plain sight, it can attract unwanted attention.
- Pets (or no pets). Big dogs make thieves think twice. Small dogs make a lot of noise.
- Mail & packages. Piles of mail or packages accumulating outside your home are a clear sign that no one is around, making it an easy target for burglars.
- Blind spots. Dark areas, broken fences, and lack of visibility create easy access points, making your property vulnerable to intrusion.
- Your social media. Posting about your vacations or flaunting new purchases on social media is a risky move, as it signals your absence or valuable items, attracting potential burglars.
- Response time. This is critical for burglars: how long it takes for someone to notice a knock, an alarm, or a break-in can determine whether they get caught or escape. The quicker the response time, the less likely they are to succeed.
10 signs that your home might be under surveillance by burglars:
1. Constantly distracted neighbors.
If neighbors or passersby seem overly distracted or act odd when walking near your property, they might be involved in a larger scheme or could be aware of the surveillance operation. Even subtle changes in behavior could point to preplanned surveillance.
2. Unknown vehicle.
If you notice an unknown car parked in front of your house or see a suspicious person taking pictures of your property, these could be signs that someone is “casing” your house.
3. Signs your car is at target.
If you notice strange markings on your car, it’s not just a coincidence—your house might be next.
Burglars often use vehicles to scout their targets, and subtle signs like tampered locks, missing car parts, or even adjusted wing mirrors can indicate they’re gathering information. A tire puncture, for instance, might be their way of ensuring you’re away or distracted.
Regularly inspect your vehicle for these signs to catch any early warnings before it’s too late. Your car is often a reflection of what’s happening around your home—stay alert, and don’t let small details slip by unnoticed.
4. Odd requests for help.
Someone might approach you under the guise of needing assistance—perhaps asking for directions or to borrow something. However, if their behavior feels odd or they seem overly curious about the layout of your home or your comings and goings, this could be a red flag.
5. Strange timing of delivery or service people.
Delivery personnel arriving at unusual times or leaving packages in plain sight without directly interacting with the residence could be subtly assessing your home under the cover of their duties, avoiding drawing suspicion.
6. Marking the house with flyers or stickers.
Burglars often mark homes they’re watching using flyers, stickers, or small symbols. A flyer left untouched signals no one’s home, while stickers can indicate security weaknesses.
Some even pose as service providers to scout properties. If you notice unfamiliar markings, remove them immediately, check security footage, and stay alert.
7. Familiar faces in unfamiliar places.
Noticing the same unfamiliar faces repeatedly in places they don’t usually belong, such as your local grocery store or nearby streets, could indicate that someone is discreetly observing your home.
These individuals may be attempting to blend into the local scene while gathering information to figure out the best times you are away from home.
8. Tampered materials on your property.
If you notice broken fences, displaced objects, or tampered locks in your front yard, these could be signs that someone is assessing your home for vulnerabilities. Burglars might manipulate your property to test security weaknesses or plan future access.
Be vigilant for any damaged security wires, disrupted lighting, or missing surveillance equipment—these are telltale indicators that someone is attempting to circumvent your security measures.
9. Strange symbols on walls.
Weird symbols or markings on your walls or property can be a serious red flag. Burglars sometimes use symbols to mark homes for various reasons—indicating weak spots, availability of valuables, or even monitoring the homeowners’ routines. These symbols can be chalk marks, paint, or even stickers placed strategically around your home.
10. Other possible signs.
There are way more signs than we can list here. And guess what? People are already talking about them. On Reddit or Quora, you’ll find real stories from real people.
Dianne noticed a bunch of cigarette butts piling up in her yard. William spotted an unfamiliar car parked for hours with someone just watching. Craig, a retired cop, says it straight—most burglaries aren’t personal. Burglars don’t have hit lists.
They look for easy targets—empty driveways, no lights, no security. If your home looks unprotected, you’re basically rolling out the red carpet.
But if you are living in a condo in a multifamily residential building setting, the signs of being watched by robbers may be subtler, given the close proximity of neighbors and the shared nature of the building.
- Suspicious neighbor behavior. Someone constantly watching through peepholes, lingering in hallways, or tracking your movements.
- Interest in floor plans. Strangers asking about unit layouts or pretending to be lost.
- Overly friendly strangers. People striking up odd conversations to learn your routine.
- Unusual staff activity. Maintenance or security acting overly interested in your unit.
- Unexpected deliveries. Unordered packages left outside to test if you’re home.
- Tampered security. Cameras moved, lights turned off, or locks altered.
- Unusual front desk behavior. Concierge asking too many personal questions.
Since condos are high-density living spaces, it’s important to be vigilant about both your unit and the common areas. Changes in behavior from people you don’t recognize or unusual occurrences around your building should raise red flags.
In this environment, protecting yourself might involve heightening your awareness of the building’s communal aspects and the activities of its residents.
Mistakes that could make your house a prime target for burglars!
- Don’t make your house look boring as if no one lives there.
- There is no such thing as a safe neighborhood, so always keep your doors locked.
- Burglar proof your windows to prevent break-ins.
- Never leave your children’s bicycles, tools, or toys out in the open because these could attract thieves who are then interested in what else is inside.
- CCTV security cameras are now essential.
- Illuminate your home effectively. Homes shrouded in darkness provide ideal hiding spots for robbers and burglars.
- Make your home too risky for burglars. Use motion lights, strong locks, alarms, and cameras to eliminate easy entry. If it looks like a hassle, they’ll move on.
- If your home is secured with low-quality locks or you’re only using a single lock, it’s crucial to upgrade to high-quality locks for both doors and windows. Inexpensive locks are easily bypassed, compromising your home’s security.
Signs your business is being watched by burglars.
Now that you’re aware of some common mistakes that might make your house appealing to thieves, let’s shift our focus to your business. If your business appears vulnerable, opportunistic criminals will take advantage. Here’s how to recognize the warning signs:
Strange loitering.
People hanging around your entrance, parking lot, or alleyway for no reason. They might be scoping out entry points or waiting for the right moment to trespass.
Repeated “customers” who don’t buy.
Someone comes in often, asks random questions, but never makes a purchase. They could be planning shoplifting or a break-in.
Cars circling the area.
Unfamiliar vehicles driving by multiple times at odd hours, possibly checking accessibility and weak spots.
Unusual questions.
Someone asks about your hours, security cameras, alarm system, or how many employees are on shift at closing. Huge red flag.
Tampered security.
Motion lights broken? Cameras moved? Doors or windows slightly ajar? Someone’s testing your defenses.
Fake maintenance or utility worker.
Someone pretending to be a repairman or inspector without credentials. They’re checking access points for a potential burglary or shoplifting opportunity.
New graffiti or markings.
Criminals sometimes leave subtle marks near a business to signal it’s a potential target.
Dumpster diving near your business.
Some thieves go through trash looking for receipts, security codes, or inventory records to plan a theft.
Late-night activity.
People loitering, knocking, or testing doors after hours. They’re seeing if they can get in unnoticed.
If you spot any of these signs, your auto dealership, retail store, or self-storage facility may be on the verge of a raid!
Now take action!
How?
Businesses across North America are relying on remote video monitoring to stay safer. Read our latest blogs to find out how proactive detection leads to swift actions by trained operators:
- Is Salt Lake City safe? Safety and crime rate statistics.
- Is Kansas City safe? Crime rate and safety overview.
- Is Charlotte NC safe? Crime Rate and Safety Guides 2025.
- Is Tacoma Washington safe? A complete look at 2024 crime rates.
How can remote video monitoring keep your businesses safe?
Remote video monitoring is all about proactive detection of suspicious behavior, loitering, trespassers, and even intrusions. But it doesn’t stop here. As Tony Bartlet says:
“If your home gets robbed, it’s four times more likely to happen again—same weak spots, insurance replaced, and new valuables.”
Implementing remote video monitoring with advanced analytics makes it significantly more challenging for criminals to target your business, thereby reducing the likelihood of repeat incidents. Beyond basic surveillance, it offers advanced video analytics to identify specific threats:
- Mask Detection. Identifies individuals wearing masks, which can be indicative of attempts to conceal identity during criminal activities.
- Tailgating Detection. Monitors and alerts when unauthorized individuals follow authorized personnel into restricted areas, a common tactic used to bypass security measures.
- License Plate Recognition (LPR). Captures and analyzes vehicle license plates to monitor and identify vehicles entering or exiting premises, aiding in tracking and preventing unauthorized access.
- Shoplifting Detection. AI-driven analytics to recognize behaviors associated with shoplifting, such as concealing items or unusual movements, enabling timely intervention.
- Gun Detection. Uses advanced algorithms to detect the presence of brandished firearms, allowing for immediate response to potential threats.
Key takeaways:
Burglars carefully plan their actions, and being aware of the signs that your home or business is being watched can help you stay one step ahead. Whether it’s unusual behavior from neighbors, odd delivery patterns, or tampered security measures, recognizing these signs early allows you to take action and protect your property.
For businesses, investing in proactive security solutions, like remote video monitoring with advanced analytics, can significantly reduce the likelihood of a break-in. By making your home or business look secure and less vulnerable, you can discourage criminals from targeting you and keep your assets safe.
Contact us today for a security solution tailored to your business.
