Most break-ins don’t happen at random. Burglars often scout a home before they strike, looking for weaknesses, routines, and patterns. They test reactions and study how the property responds. This early stage is called soft-targeting, and spotting it early can prevent the next step. Our team has seen how subtle the signs can be, and how often they go unnoticed until it’s too late. Knowing what to look for matters. We’ll go over the signs, why they matter, and what you can do if something feels off.
Unfamiliar Marks or Stickers on or Near Your Door
Strange symbols, chalk marks, or random stickers might seem harmless, but they can act as signals. These marks could indicate to someone else that your home is unoccupied, unsecured, or a possible target.
Sometimes these symbols get placed on the mailbox or under the doorbell. Other times, they appear on utility poles or public sidewalks. A favorite trick is using small, hard-to-notice dots on fences or walls. These marks let others know if someone answered the door or if a dog barked when someone knocked.
Keep an eye on your entrance areas. If you see a pattern or unfamiliar stickers you didn’t place, remove them immediately and take a photo just in case. For situations where markings become frequent or suspicious, a residential locksmith in Ottawa can help improve locks and recommend security upgrades.
A Sudden Increase in Flyers, Menus, or Fake Deliveries
Another common tactic involves flooding a mailbox or doorstep with menus, flyers, or fake delivery tags. This helps burglars check if you’re away. If the paper pile stays untouched, they may assume the house is empty.
Some even place empty boxes or small parcels with fake addresses to monitor whether someone brings them in. A package left out for two days sends a clear message: no one’s home or watching closely.
To avoid this, clear flyers daily and ask a neighbour to help while you’re away. We also suggest using cameras or motion lights near your porch, which discourages this kind of testing. If you’ve already seen a pattern of deliveries with unknown names, contact local services to report them.
Repeated Door Knocks from Unknown People
People knocking at your door pretending to ask for directions, look for someone, or sell something might be scouting. They’re not there to sell anything. They’re testing.
They want to know how long you take to answer, whether you’re home during the day, or how secure your entry looks. If you answer the door, they might glance inside to check for alarms, dogs, or visible valuables.
You don’t have to open the door to speak. Instead, talk through the door or use a video intercom. If the visitor seems pushy, avoid giving personal information. These knocks often happen more than once over several days. A locksmith in Ottawa can explain what makes a door entry resistant to quick forced entry during such scouting visits.
Lights or Cameras Tampered With Outside
Exterior lights or cameras being moved, covered, or disabled are not coincidences. They are often the final check before someone decides to act.
Burglars don’t want light. If motion lights or porch bulbs stop working and there’s no weather-related cause, assume it’s on purpose. The same applies to tampered security cameras. Even slight angle changes may mean someone tried to block the view or test blind spots.
Replace burnt-out bulbs quickly and check your devices weekly. It’s also smart to keep lighting on different timers, so your home never looks dark for long. A shift in your lighting might seem small, but it tells a potential intruder whether your home is a difficult target or not.
New Cars Parked Nearby That Don’t Move
When an unknown vehicle starts parking in front of your home or near your alley repeatedly, it can be a sign. Especially if it remains for long hours or reappears across different days.
Sometimes it’s an old vehicle with tinted windows. Other times, it’s a newer model someone sits in briefly at the same time each day. These can be surveillance efforts. They’re watching to see who comes and goes, at what time, and whether patterns are predictable.
Don’t confront the person directly. Instead, write down the plate and report unusual activity. In some cases, burglars even use delivery uniforms or branded vests while casing homes. Staying alert to these patterns is key.
Dog Seems Agitated at the Same Time Each Day
If your dog barks or acts agitated at the same hour each day, that could mean someone’s walking by deliberately or lingering outside. Dogs notice more than we do. They react to footsteps, pacing, or lingering smells.
When a dog reacts the same way several times in a row, check what’s going on at that time. A simple camera or doorbell video can help you confirm whether someone is passing by daily.
In many cases, dogs are the first to sense that a home is being watched. If their barking is new or focused toward a specific spot, don’t ignore it. We recommend making sure all side and back entry points are reinforced if your pet keeps staring or reacting toward them.
Trash Bin or Recycling Out of Place
Garbage bins that are moved or left open can sometimes serve a hidden purpose. Someone might shift them to get closer to a window or use them to block street view while checking a lock.
Others may rummage through bags to find receipts or clues about what electronics, medications, or valuables are inside the home. This helps them decide if a break-in is worth it.
If your bins are always returned a certain way but suddenly look off, take note. Always shred personal information. If the bin is near a basement window or side entry, move it elsewhere.
Gates or Fences Left Unlatched
You latch your gate, and it stays latched. If it suddenly swings open or gets left ajar, something is off. Sometimes, people test whether your side entry or backyard can be accessed easily.
They’ll unlatch a gate, wait a day or two, and come back to see if it was noticed. If it stays open, they assume no one’s watching.
Always relock your gates and check latches frequently. A backyard is often used as the entry point because it provides cover. Securing it is just as important as your front door. For layered protection, speak with a professional locksmith in Ottawa to review your side entrances and outbuildings.
FAQ
How can I tell if my locks have been tampered with?
Look for scratches around the keyhole, bent deadbolts, or loose door handles. These are signs someone may have used tools to try forcing the lock.
Is it common for burglars to scout before breaking in?
Yes, it’s very common. Most thieves spend time watching a home first to avoid risk. They prefer easy, predictable targets.
What should I do if I notice someone casing my property?
Don’t approach them. Document the details and report it. Then take steps to reinforce locks, lighting, and routines.
Can I install extra locks myself?
Basic ones, yes. But for high-security upgrades or deadbolts, we recommend professional installation to ensure proper fit and function.
Do security cameras actually help deter break-ins?
Yes, especially when placed visibly at entry points. Most intruders avoid homes with active cameras and motion lighting.