Burglars don’t just break into homes blindly—they gather intel first. And believe it or not, many of them do it by simply asking the right questions. It’s not like they’re wearing ski masks and creeping through bushes during the recon phase. Often, they show up looking like a regular person—maybe a contractor, a canvasser, or even someone just “lost” in the neighborhood.
What they say in those early moments can reveal everything they want to know about your security setup, and you might not even realize what just happened.
1. “Hey, do you know if this neighborhood has a lot of break-ins?”
This one sounds innocent, maybe even concerned, but it’s a setup. Thieves toss this out casually to see if you’ll start talking about crime, or lack of it, in the area. If you respond with “Not really, we’ve never had issues,” they take note—you’re probably not hyper-vigilant. And if you don’t mention a security system at all, that’s another red flag to them. On the flip side, saying something like “We’ve got a good system just in case” might be enough to make them move on.
2. “Does your doorbell camera work well at night?”
This is a cleverly disguised tech question meant to sniff out whether you actually have surveillance. If your answer reveals hesitation or confusion, they’ll assume you don’t have one—or that it’s not working. People who actively use doorbell cameras tend to know their features inside and out. It’s a roundabout way of asking, “Are you being recorded right now?” And most homeowners don’t think twice before answering honestly, which is exactly what the thief wants.
3. “I’m with a home security company—can I ask you a few questions?”
Scammers and thieves love to pose as security reps to get inside information. If someone knocks claiming to sell alarms but then starts asking about your current setup, it’s a red flag. Real security reps don’t need details from you before explaining their product. A fake one will ask things like, “Do you already have something installed?” or “Is your system monitored?” The answers help them decide if you’re an easy target or not.
4. “Do you know if your neighbors are home during the day?”
They aren’t interested in your neighbors—they’re interested in your habits. Asking about neighbors’ schedules helps them understand the overall watchfulness of the block. But if you start talking about how quiet your street is during work hours, you might accidentally reveal that the area is wide open for theft. It also lets them gauge how much surveillance they might be under from nearby homes. The less activity around, the more attractive your property becomes.
5. “I’m looking for my dog—do you have any cameras around here?”
Sounds sweet, right? Just someone searching for a lost pet. But it’s often a front to learn whether the area is under video surveillance. A genuine pet owner might ask, but a criminal will be laser-focused on where cameras are and how far they reach. If you respond vaguely or say you don’t have any, that’s valuable intel to them.
6. “Are you the homeowner?”
This isn’t just about ownership—it’s a probe into whether you’re the decision-maker. If you say no, they might assume you’re less likely to have installed a system yourself. It also opens the door for them to ask follow-up questions like, “Do you know if the owners have a security company?” They’re fishing for any sign of weakness or gaps in protection. The wrong answer could make your home seem like low-hanging fruit.
7. “We’re doing a survey on local security systems—mind if I ask a few quick questions?”
This line has all the charm of a polite neighborly gesture. But it’s pure bait to get you talking about what you have—or don’t have—in place. The goal is to get you to spill specifics like system brands, camera placements, or whether you pay for monitoring. Any gaps in your setup will stand out like neon signs. The more you talk, the more they learn.
8. “Have you had any packages stolen lately?”
Thieves know porch piracy is a hot topic, and this question gets people venting quickly. Homeowners often respond with, “No, we’ve got cameras,” or worse, “Not yet, but it’s probably a matter of time.” Both responses are telling, especially the second one, which hints at a lack of preventive measures. It’s a clever way to let you tell on yourself. And if you admit that you’ve had packages stolen and haven’t done anything about it, that’s music to their ears.
9. “Do you leave your lights on when you’re not home?”
This question might sound like small talk or just general curiosity. But it’s an indirect probe into how you handle security when you’re away. Lights are a common deterrent, and your answer can tip off how predictable your routines are. If you say “No, I usually turn everything off,” it might suggest no automation, no timers, and possibly no security system. Even if you do use lights, if you hesitate or sound unsure, that opens a door of opportunity in their mind.
Stay Sharp and Listen Closely
Every one of these phrases is a potential red flag in disguise. Thieves are strategic, calculated, and patient—they ask questions for a reason. The key is not just what they say, but how willingly people answer without realizing what’s at stake. The best defense isn’t just locks or cameras—it’s awareness. Think one step ahead, and if anything feels off, trust your gut and keep your answers guarded.
Have you heard any of these questions before—or others that made you suspicious? Drop a comment below and share your experience. Let’s help each other stay a step ahead of the bad guys.
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