How to trick burglars into thinking an empty home is occupied

During the summer months and holiday seasons, many of us spend more time away from home. Whether that’s enjoying days out, visiting family or heading abroad, an empty home can quickly become a target for opportunistic burglars.

The good news is, most break-ins are preventable. Burglars tend to look for easy opportunities, which means knowing how to deter burglars often comes down to making your home look lived-in, secure and monitored.

In this guide, we’ll share practical ways to make your home appear occupied, plus expert insights into what really puts burglars off.

Why burglars target empty homes

Most burglaries are opportunistic. Criminals often look for:

• Homes with no visible activity

• Build-ups of post or deliveries

• Dark properties at night

• Easy access points like unlocked doors or windows

If your home looks empty, it can increase the likelihood of being targeted. That’s why creating the illusion of occupancy is one of the most effective ways of preventing a break-in.

7 ways to trick burglars into thinking your home is occupied

One of the best answers to how to deter burglars is simple: make your home look like someone is in, even when they’re not.

1. Use smart home security systems as a visible deterrent

This doesn’t just make your home look occupied, it makes it look protected. Modern home security systems:

• Send real-time alerts to your phone

• Include visible cameras and video doorbells

• Trigger alarms if motion is detected

Burglars are far less likely to target a property where they know they’re being recorded. Visible signage, cameras and sensors act as a strong deterrent, often stopping a break-in before it even starts.

2. Ask neighbours or friends to help

A trusted neighbour can make a huge difference when you’re away. They can:

• Collect post and deliveries

• Move bins in and out

• Occasionally park on your drive

This small level of activity can make your home look lived-in and regularly checked. Joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme can also increase visibility and reduce risk in your area.

3. Use smart lighting (and timers)

Simply leaving a light on doesn't deter burglars on its own. Leaving a single light on all night can actually signal that no one is home, especially if it stays on continuously for days. A better approach is to:

• Use timers or smart bulbs

• Schedule lights to turn on and off at realistic times

• Vary lighting patterns across different rooms

Outdoor lighting is just as important. Motion-activated lights around entrances, gardens and driveways can deter intruders by removing dark hiding spots.

4. Create realistic daily activity

An occupied home doesn’t just have lights on, it shows signs of life. You can simulate this by:

• Setting TVs or radios on timers

• Using smart plugs to control appliances

• Playing ambient noise via smart speakers

Small details like this can make a big difference when it comes to how to deter thieves effectively.

5. Keep curtains and blinds looking natural

Completely closed blinds during the day (or wide-open ones at night) can raise suspicion. Instead you could:

• Keep blinds in a natural, lived-in position

• Avoid fully exposing valuables

• Maintain consistency with how your home usually looks

This helps avoid signalling that no one is home.

6. Manage post, deliveries and bins

Nothing says “empty house” more than parcels piling up outside. You can avoid this by:

• Pausing deliveries where possible

• Redirecting post to a neighbour

• Asking a family member or neighbour to move bins on collection day

These small details are often what burglars look for when identifying empty properties.

7. Maintain your home’s exterior

An overgrown lawn or neglected garden can quickly signal that a property is unoccupied. If you’re away for an extended period:

• Arrange for lawn mowing or maintenance

• Keep pathways clear

• Ensure general upkeep continues

A well-maintained exterior suggests someone is regularly present.

8. Consider temporary occupancy

If you’re away for a longer period, you might want to go one step further to protect your home. Having someone in the house while you're away ensures there are more consistent signs to show prospective thieves that someone is home. You could consider:

• Hiring a house sitter

• Asking a friend or family member to stay while you're away

• Using a pet sitter who stays in your home

This provides the most realistic form of occupancy and extra peace of mind.

Small changes make a big difference

When it comes to how to deter burglars, you don’t need drastic measures, just smart, consistent ones. You can significantly reduce your risk of burglary by:

• Creating the illusion of occupancy

• Using smart technology

• Keeping your home maintained

For even greater peace of mind, a professionally monitored home security system adds an extra layer of protection. This is a great way to ensure you stay connected to your home, wherever you are.

Protect your home with confidence. Explore SimpliSafe’s smart security systems or build your own system today and stay one step ahead of intruders, wherever you are.

Frequently asked questions 

What scares burglars the most?

The biggest deterrent is the risk of being caught. Visible security systems, cameras, alarms and signs of occupancy all increase that risk. This means burglars are far less likely to target your home.

Do burglars target empty houses?

Yes. Empty homes are often seen as easier targets with a lower chance of confrontation. That’s why learning how to deter burglars often starts with making your home look occupied.

Which homes do burglars avoid?

Burglars tend to avoid homes that:

• Have visible security systems

• Appear occupied

• Are well-lit at night

• Have active neighbours nearby

What time do most burglaries happen?

Many burglaries occur in the evening, typically between 6pm and midnight, when people are out or winding down for the night. However, daytime burglaries also happen, especially when homes are empty during work hours.