Final answer:
Burglars check for signs of an unoccupied residence before breaking in, such as lights being off or piled-up mail. The Broken Windows Theory suggests would-be criminals look for signs of neglect in deciding on a target. Security measures and the appearance of occupancy are important to deter burglars.
Step-by-step explanation:
Burglars often check several factors before deciding to enter a residence, and one key aspect they typically look for is whether or not the house appears to be occupied. Indications that nobody is home could include lights being off at night, no noise coming from inside the house, mail or newspapers piling up, or absence of movement inside the house at times when people are generally home (e.g., in the evenings). Burglars prefer to avoid confrontation and will look for these signs to reduce the risk of being caught or facing homeowners.
Additionally, the concept of the Broken Windows Theory suggests that signs of disorder in a neighborhood, such as broken windows or graffiti, might convey to potential offenders that the area is less monitored and that criminal behavior has a lower chance of being observed or reported. Hence, would-be burglars might also seek out visual cues or signs of neglect in choosing a target.
Security measures like locks, alarm systems, and the presence of neighbors or passersby can also influence a burglar's decision. Residents must create the appearance of occupancy and ensure robust security measures are in place to deter potential burglaries.