What Exactly are Home Burglars Targeting?

A recent conversation with San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Northern Station Captain Paul Yep illuminated what exactly home burglars are going for when they break into a home. Simply put, and from his station’s perspective, home burglars are aiming for the quick hit, i.e., packages in building lobbies and easy-to-sell items unsecured in garages.

The big revelation of this news from the captain? That burglars aren’t necessarily trying to break into the residence itself. Again, they’re going for the quick steal with an easy reward, underscoring the need for residents to double down on preventative measures in these areas.

Looking at residences, Captain Yep said burglars often target the garage by “manipulating the emergency latch” or just “forcing the garage door open.” Once in, they’re looking for things like bicycles or tools that are typically stored in garages and that can be quickly sold.

When it comes to securing a garage against theft, SF SAFE has these tips: Install motion light sensors, surveillance cameras and reinforce the glass on the garage door with a vinyl adhesive; install/place an interior manual garage door lock to secure the garage at night; and tie the emergency release cord into a small ball so that it will be more difficult to reach for thieves who break the garage windows.

Aside from garages, “the other common thread is for multiunit buildings,” said Captain Yep. “We recognize that mail theft is an issue and that burglars will go into the apartment buildings by tailgating or just trying a front lobby door.”

“They generally don't try to get into the apartments,” the captain added, “they'll steal packages and try to break into the mailboxes.”

In the case of burglaries at multiunit buildings, one major way to deter lobby and mail thefts is to be vigilant about not permitting unknown people to “tailgate” you through the door into the building and to alert neighbors if you see packages left for them. Amazon packages can also be arranged to be picked up at lockers if a building lobby is unsafe. And, of course, a camera not only helps solve crimes, but also acts as a great deterrent; ask your building manager to install one if it hasn’t been done already. Also be quick to notify your building manager if the front door lock is broken.

And, of course, always remember the SFPD’s mantra: “If you see something, say something.” Call 911 for emergencies or crimes in progress; call the SFPD’s non-emergency line at 415-553-0123 for situations requiring the police but not an immediate response; or call the Anonymous Tip Line at 415-575-4444.

-Kathy Chouteau