For security sales teams, citing real statistics is an effective way to educate homeowners without resorting to high-pressure scare tactics. Instead of using fear, modern alarm dealers use verifiable public data from the FBI and the Bureau of Justice Statistics to explain why neighborhoods are investing in comprehensive monitoring systems.
This guide compiles the most recent and reliable public burglary statistics. We cover the ten-year national trends, the time of day and entry points burglars favor, and the seasonal variations in property crime.
Disclosure: Scout Data is our product. We provide list data and property records to security and home-service teams. We do not provide crime data, crime alerts, or break-in maps. Every figure cited below comes from a public government source, with the agency and year clearly stated.
National trends: a ten-year decline
When talking to homeowners, it is important to lead with facts rather than fear. The reality is that property crime has been declining in the United States for years.
According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, there were an estimated 910,312 burglaries in 2022. This figure represents a substantial drop from a decade prior; the FBI reported an estimated 1,928,465 burglaries in 2013. While the overall volume of property crime has fallen, a break-in still represents a severe disruption, which is why millions of households continue to invest in perimeter security and professional monitoring.
Time of day and entry methods
Many homeowners assume they are most vulnerable at night, but the data tells a different story. The FBI notes that the majority of residential burglaries occur during daylight hours. Intruders prefer to target empty homes while families are away at work, running errands, or attending school.
As for how intruders gain access, the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) National Crime Victimization Survey consistently shows that doors and windows are the primary points of entry. A surprising fact that reps can share is that many burglaries do not involve forced entry. In 2022, the FBI reported that in over a third of completed burglaries (37.9%), the offender entered through an unlocked door or window. This makes a strong case for smart locks and door sensors that remind a homeowner when an access point is left open.
For tips on how to weave these facts into a conversation at the door, read our door-to-door alarm sales playbook.
Seasonal variations
Property crime rates fluctuate throughout the year. Historically, the FBI and BJS data show a slight uptick in residential burglaries during the summer months. Longer days mean people spend more time away from home on vacations or outdoor activities, leaving properties vacant for extended stretches. This aligns directly with the industry’s peak selling season, making summer the ideal time to discuss remote monitoring and vacation-mode settings with prospects.
How to use these numbers ethically
A consultative sales approach uses these statistics to build trust. When a rep can calmly cite the FBI’s 2022 data on unforced entry to explain the value of a smart lock, they position themselves as an expert.
However, there are strict rules for using this data:
- Never promise that an alarm prevents a crime. A system secures the perimeter, provides an alert, and dispatches authorities. It is a mitigation tool, not a guarantee against a break-in.
- Never use fear tactics. Relying on localized panic or exaggerating threats destroys a brand’s reputation. Let the national statistics speak for themselves.
- Never name a crime victim. Referencing specific, recent local victims is exploitative and unprofessional. Focus on the broader trends that justify the investment.
Integrating these facts into your pitch requires a balanced script. To see an example of how to qualify a prospect and handle objections over the phone, check out our home security cold call script, or see our door knocking scripts for in-person pitches.
Frequently asked questions
How many burglaries occur in the United States?
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program, there were an estimated 910,312 burglaries in 2022. While this number is significant, it represents a continued downward trend in property crime over the last decade.
What time of day do most burglaries happen?
Contrary to the belief that break-ins mostly happen at night, the FBI reports that the majority of residential burglaries take place during the day. Burglars prefer to target homes when residents are typically at work or school.
How do burglars usually enter a home?
The Bureau of Justice Statistics notes that in the majority of residential burglaries, entry is gained through a door or a window. A significant portion of unlawful entries do not even involve force; the intruder simply enters through an unlocked access point.