Signs That Your Home Is Marked or Has Been Forcibly Entered

• Broken Window or Door is an Obvious Sign:

One of the most obvious signs that your home has been marked or has been broken into is a broken door or window. Intruders tend to work very fast to gain entry, which can cause obvious damage. In particular, look for signs a crowbar has been used – a favorite tool of intruders. Broken glass can be another giveaway that something is not right.

• A Door or Gate Is Open – You Didn’t Leave It That Way:

Some will report a door or gate that is open when they return home, which may have you questioning if perhaps you just didn’t close it properly. While mistakes can happen, and maybe you didn’t pull the door closed properly, it’s not a chance you want to take. Intruders leave in a hurry, so it’s very normal for a gate or door to be left open, which means you don’t want to assume all is fine.

• You See Footprints Near Windows/Doors:

This is a sign that can be difficult to spot depending on the property and weather conditions. If you see any signs of footprints near windows or doors that you know aren’t yours, then it’s a sure sign someone has been looking around your home.
Here in the Miami area, footprints can be difficult to spot as it’s either dry making footprints difficult to spot – unless stirring up dirt in garden beds – or it can be raining, which means any signs will be washed away.

• A Neighbor Reports Suspicious Activity to You:

If you live in a community with lots of neighbors it’s not unusual for them to see and hear things that are out of the ordinary. Should your neighbor report suspicious activity to you, it’s best to follow up. They may have seen someone lurking around your property/house, or just noticed someone lingering longer than normal. Of course, if they saw someone enter your house, the police should be called immediately.

• A Sudden Influx of Mailers and Flyers at the Door:

This particular sign can go unnoticed by many since it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but again it’s something you should be on the alert for. If you suddenly have an influx of flyers, ads, and mailers being left at your door it could be because a potential intruder is casing your home and sizing it up.

• Always Be Alert and Look for Anything Out of the Ordinary:

The most important tip for homeowners is to always be alert and on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. If something seems strange, different, or suspicious, it’s best to go with your gut and proceed with caution. It’s much better to be overly safe than to find yourself in a dangerous situation walking into your house with an intruder inside.