Most home burglaries occur between 10 AM and 3 PM on weekdays, when houses are typically empty. Burglars prefer daytime break-ins because homeowners are at work, children are at school, and neighbors are less likely to be home. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, approximately 65% of residential burglaries happen during daylight hours, contradicting the common belief that most break-ins occur at night.

Evening break-ins are less common but do happen, usually between 6 PM and 10 PM when families may be eating dinner or occupied in back rooms of the house.

Peak Times for Home Burglaries

Weekday Mornings (10 AM – 12 PM)

The morning hours see a significant spike in burglaries. Burglars wait until around 10 AM when most people have left for work and school. This timing gives them a window of several hours to work without interruption.

Morning break-ins are especially common in suburban neighborhoods. Empty driveways and quiet streets signal to burglars that homes are vacant. They can move quickly and avoid detection during these hours.

Midday Hours (12 PM – 3 PM)

The lunch hour through mid-afternoon represents the absolute peak time for break-ins. Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics shows that burglaries spike during these hours across all regions.

Burglars exploit the predictable absence of homeowners during work hours. They can assess the property, break in, search for valuables, and escape—all while neighbors assume any activity is legitimate.

Evening Hours (6 PM – 10 PM)

While less common, evening break-ins do occur. These typically happen when burglars know or suspect that a home is empty. They may target homes with no lights on or no cars in the driveway.

Evening burglars are bolder and often work faster. They know residents could return home at any moment, so they grab obvious valuables and leave quickly.

Days of the Week Most Targeted

Friday Is the Most Common Day

Research shows that Friday has the highest rate of residential burglaries. Burglars know that many homeowners leave early for weekend trips or run errands on Friday afternoons.

Package deliveries also peak on Fridays. Unattended packages signal an empty home and provide additional items to steal.

Weekends vs. Weekdays

Weekdays see more burglaries overall because homes are predictably empty. According to security industry studies, Monday through Friday account for nearly 70% of all break-ins.

Weekends have lower burglary rates because people are home more often. Burglars prefer not to risk confrontation with homeowners.

Seasonal Patterns in Break-Ins

Summer Months Show Higher Rates

Summer has the highest burglary rates of any season. Families take vacations, windows stay open for ventilation, and longer daylight hours give burglars more working time.

The months of July and August consistently show spikes in residential break-ins. Open windows and unlocked doors make entry easier for criminals.

Holiday Periods Are High Risk

The weeks around major holidays see increased burglary activity. Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas, and New Year’s are particularly vulnerable times.

Burglars know homes contain new electronics, jewelry, and gifts during holidays. Empty homes during family gatherings become prime targets.

How Burglars Choose Their Timing

They Watch for Patterns

Professional burglars observe neighborhoods before striking. They note when people leave for work, when mail is collected, and when homes appear consistently empty.

Some criminals pose as delivery drivers or utility workers to scout properties. They learn schedules and identify the best times to break in.

They Look for Visual Cues

Burglars scan for signs that no one is home:

• Piled-up newspapers or packages
• No cars in the driveway
• Dark windows at night
• Closed curtains during the day
• No response to doorbell rings

These signals tell burglars when it’s safe to attempt entry.

Protecting Your Home During Peak Hours

Create the Illusion of Occupancy

Use timers on lights to make your home appear occupied during peak burglary hours. Program them to turn on at different times each day.

Leave a car in the driveway if possible. A visible vehicle deters many burglars who prefer obviously empty homes.

Install Security Systems

Modern security systems with cameras and motion sensors significantly reduce burglary risk. According to studies by security companies, visible cameras alone deter up to 60% of potential burglars.

Smart doorbells with video capabilities let you monitor your property remotely. You can see and respond to activity even when you’re away.

Secure All Entry Points

Most burglars enter through unlocked doors or windows. Always lock deadbolts on doors and secure windows, even during the day.

Reinforce sliding glass doors with bars or dowels in the track. These doors are common entry points but easy to secure.

Final Thoughts

Understanding when burglaries typically occur helps you take targeted security measures. Focus your protection efforts on weekday daytime hours, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM. Simple steps like locking doors, using timers, and installing visible security systems can dramatically reduce your risk. Stay aware of your home’s vulnerability during peak hours and holidays. For comprehensive home security solutions and expert guidance, contact Hilton’s Electronic Security to protect what matters most.