Texas Burglaries Rise as Nights Get Longer

As autumn arrives in Midland-Odessa and the days become shorter, recent data indicates that homeowners throughout Texas should prioritize enhancing their home security measures.

According to Google Trends, online searches for "how to prevent home break-in" have increased by 89% within the last year, reflecting growing public concern regarding property safety as the evenings get longer.

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Luis Villasmil via Unsplash

Burglaries On the Rise in Fall/Winter

FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data indicates that residential burglaries surge during the fall and winter, as earlier sunsets and longer nights provide increased opportunities for intruders.

This trend is particularly pertinent during Halloween season, when many residents are out after dark and away from their homes.

A recent study conducted by Compare the Market AU, analyzing burglary rates, safety scores, and public concerns across major U.S. cities, including several in Texas, revealed consistent trends in burglary patterns.

Most break-ins occur in the evening hours (29%) or early morning (24%), with Wednesdays and Fridays being the most common days for such incidents.

Contrary to popular belief, weekends actually see fewer home burglaries. A statistic that surprised me, to be honest.

The research indicated that windows (31%) and back doors (26%) were the most common entry points.

Despite increasing awareness, only one-third of the targeted homes had active security systems.

For those affected, the average financial loss was approximately $1,740 per incident, excluding the emotional impact of losing personal belongings or a sense of security.

In Midland–Odessa, law enforcement officials have reiterated national advisories in recent years, encouraging residents to maintain exterior lighting when absent, secure backyard gates, and implement smart camera or motion-activated lighting systems where feasible.

In addition, publicly announcing your plans, such as attending Friday Night Football at Ratliff Stadium or going out of town, can increase the potential for would-be burglars since they know you will be away.