In many cases, all it takes to keep a burglar out is a locked door. But some burglars may try one of these more creative methods to break into your home.
7 Sneaky Ways Burglars Can Break into Your House
Updated on May 16, 2025
They walk in the front door
“The overwhelming number of burglars are unskilled people who go through open or unlocked windows and doors,” says Leonard Sipes, former Director of Information Services for the National Crime Prevention Council. In fact, 34% of burglars walk right through the front door, according to recent research, while 22% get in through the back door and 23% use first-floor windows. “Simply locking windows and doors will prevent most burglaries,” says Sipes.
They use the land
A secluded backyard is a burglar’s dream—and can be a homeowner’s nightmare, as it was in the case of Brian Shell, whose home was robbed a few years ago. “It was done via my back window, which faced a lake, so [there were] no backyard neighbors bordering it,” Shell said. One of the burglars threw a moldy tree log through the window to keep their fingerprints off of it and climbed into the house through the broken window—so burglars are willing to use whatever’s around to break in and maintain secrecy. “My backyard is pretty secluded,” Shell said. “That’s what helped them.”
They climb fences
Seclusion was also the problem for Arizona resident Nancy Gretzinger. At her former home, which was broken into multiple times, “there was an empty lot and cemetery behind the house.” Several houses in her neighborhood, including Gretzinger’s, had fences in the backyard with wooden slats, which left them vulnerable to being robbed. Burglars were easily able to climb the fence to gain access to her property. They broke a window leading to her kitchen and climbed in.
They take a page out of your pet’s book
When burglars can’t get in through human entrances to your house, they may try to get in through the animal entrances. “There are innumerable instances of doors being secured but the burglar coming in through the kitty door,” says home security expert Robert Sollars. “Not all burglars are 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. They can slither through those openings as well as a snake.” So, pet owners, keep your pet doors secure as well.
They find your home’s weaknesses
If your front door seems impenetrable, a burglar might move on to the other doors, which tend to be weaker than the front one. “Most people’s back doors are the ones that are the least sturdy, and a burglar can kick the door open with one well-placed kick,” says security expert Aaron Hall. Make sure your back door is as sturdy as possible, with a deadbolt in place. Windows, too, can provide easy entry for a burglar foiled by the front door. “Aluminum window sills are easily breakable, so you should think about replacing those if you have them,” Hall suggests.
They choose less guarded doors
Front and back doors aren’t the only ones burglars can use to access your home and its valuables. “People … forget to protect side doors, back doors, garage doors and doors that lead into the house from the garage,” says Liz Martinez, a former investigator and criminal justice instructor at Carrington College in Phoenix, Arizona. These entrances can also be more beneficial to would-be burglars because they’re better hidden. “Make sure these secondary entrance doors are metal and have appropriate locks,” she said. “Also, be sure that any other types of entrances are protected, such as skylights.”
They have the right tools
“Breaking in” is never a more fitting term than when a burglar encounters a locked door and decides to bust open the door anyway. This is a fairly unlikely method of burglary, since it’s more likely to attract suspicion, but a skilled burglar may be able to do it. Some bring tools specifically with the intention of bypassing locks and bolts. “Burglars will often use tools like crowbars or credit cards to slip through locks or pry open entryways,” Hall said. “The best remedies … are strong doors, window sills and deadbolt locks.”
About the experts
|
