10 Signs Your House Is Being Watched by Robbers

Many homeowners are asking whether there are signs that the house is marked or burglar unusual actions when criminals are on the prowl for new targets. How can you tell someone is about to burgle or case your house without leaving you wrangling and fuming about the loss you have to sustain?

In this article, we list 10 signs your house is being watched by robbers, how to tell if someone is casing your house, and also list the suggestions when your house is being cased.

Note: Feel free to take a look at our recently launched home security checklist, designed to help you burglar-proof your home.

11 Behavior Signs Your House is Being Watched or Marked by Robbers

Behavior signs focus on how people act, move, and interact with your home or neighborhood. These usually appear during the early “casing” stage.

1. Unfamiliar Vehicles: New Cars or Vehicles on the Street or Neighborhood

Burglars often use vehicles for casing a house. Unfamiliar vehicles loiter around the neighborhood will surely raise concerns, especially when the vehicle sticks around over an extended period of time and repeatedly shows up on an irregular basis.

Initially, it’s advisable to take note of the license number and make a document with all the pertinent information, including time, date, make of vehicle, description of the person for future reference, more importantly, keep an eye on your property by resorting to home video surveillance if condition permitting.

2. Strangers Walk Around the Street or Neighborhood

Strangers can also be signs your house is being targeted. People who are living in the same community, neighborhood or village should be familiar with each other. Strangers pretending jogging in the street or walking down the block back and forth should set off a red flag – house casing.

With one of the best security camera system, Reolink RLK8-800B4, you can monitor your house 24/7 and never miss any unusual events.

3. Door-to-Door Scams

Some burglars would do surveillance around the neighborhood by pretending to be a salesman of a utility company, handyman offering free roof repairs or free carpet cleaning, anonymous survey or asking for money and donation for care packages to soldiers, all sorts of door-to-door sales representatives to check out your house.

Many door-to-door scammers are trying to case houses and find out who lives in the home, what time the house would be empty and for how long, weekday schedules, what they drive, whether there is a dog, or a hidden key.

Front door security cameras could also record evidence of door-to-door scams.

4. Toilet Excuse

Many new homeowners might fall for the tricks used by strangers conjuring up an excuse to use the toilet of yours but meanwhile walk away with some valuables of yours.

Or some morning joggers will approach your house for a cup of water or use of the restroom, which could also be an excuse to get a sweep on your property.

5. Strangers Request for Help with Different Excuses

Some thieves or burglars will knock at the front door asking for help, such as a glass of water, use of your bathroom, looking for a missing dog, asking for directions, or confirming information from an online listing.

They normally knock mid-morning or mid-afternoon, when homeowners are more likely to be away.

6. Pay Attention to Suspicious Person Taking Pictures of My House at Night

With the ubiquity of cameras on smartphones, people can snapshot anywhere anytime, which gives rise to new concerns: canvassing neighborhoods with a single click.

If you notice someone taking photos of your house or nearby homes—especially at night—stay vigilant and notify local authorities if necessary.

7. A Simple Glance & Gut Feeling

A glance at strangers can instantly make you feel something is off. Fidgety behavior, pacing, minimal eye contact, and unusual movements may indicate a potential threat.

8. Fake Deliveries

Some burglars pretend to be delivery people or food couriers. They may ring your doorbell, knock, or leave a package briefly, but their main goal is to observe your home, check if anyone is inside, or note security weaknesses.

9.Phone Call Recording

Someone may walk or drive by your property while talking on the phone, giving the appearance of a casual conversation, but they may actually be recording video or taking photos of your home.

This is a stealthy way to case a property without drawing attention—they can get a lot of information (doorways, cameras, security features) in a short time.

10. Fake Short-Term Rental Guest

Some burglars may pretend to be short-term rental guests, contractors, or neighbors needing access. They might claim they booked a nearby Airbnb, rented a unit, or have a maintenance issue. This is used to gain temporary access to your property, sometimes just to take notes, test locks, or confirm security measures.

11. Drones Hovering

With the rise of affordable drones, burglars can now fly drones over properties to capture video or photos of houses, fences, security cameras, and entry points. This is a new way to “case” a property remotely, without being physically seen by neighbors.

8 Physical Signs Signs Your House Is Being Watched or Targeted by Robbers

1. Mark the House with Flyers or Stickers

Burglars will scout potential targets by sending out commercial flyers or sticking ads around the streets to determine whether the houses are guarded or not.

If flyers remain untouched, the house may be marked as an easy target.

2. Strange Markings around the House

A recent revelation by police in Scotland revealed alleged burglar marks used to identify vulnerable homes. If you notice strange symbols near your door or walls, contact local authorities.

3. Other Possible Signs

Some homeowners found their welcome mat flipped upside down, golf balls left on lawns, or rocks placed near doors.

Others reported strangers pretending to be handymen returning to “check work” that was never done.

4. Testing Door Gaps

Burglars sometimes slip a piece of paper, plastic, or thread into door or window gaps to see if it moves. If the thread or paper is disturbed, they know the door was opened and when someone was home.

5. Packages or Trash Bins Repositioned

Thieves may move your garbage cans, parcels, or other objects near your home to test activity or mark which houses are empty. Moving bins or packages helps them observe whether anyone notices or returns items to their original position.

6. Repeated Doorbell Rings

Someone rings your doorbell multiple times without actually talking to you. This is often to check if anyone is home and to learn daily routines. Keep a log of unusual doorbell activity and consider a video doorbell to record visitors.

7. Door/Window Tampering

Scratches, dents, or other marks on doors, locks, or windows may indicate someone tried to tamper with them. This can show that burglars tested the lock or window for weaknesses. Inspect your locks and windows regularly, and repair or upgrade any damaged hardware.

8. Packages Moved/Open

Thieves may open or slightly move packages left at your door to see what’s inside. This is often to check whether valuables are present without committing a full theft yet. Always secure deliveries in a lockbox or indoor area, and consider using video cameras to capture any tampering.

How to Prevent Your House Is Being Watched by Robbers?

Once you know how to tell if a burglar is watching your house, use these methods to prevent house robbery markings.

Thanks to a survey on how burglars broken into home conducted by KGW’s investigative team on 86 inmates currently serving time for burglary in the Oregon Department of Corrections, we get a better idea how and when burglars break into your house, what they are looking for and what homeowners can do to avoid houses being cased or burglarized.

Here are the breakdowns:

• Buy security cameras for entries and make them visible
• Make the house, front and backyard visible with good lighting
• Trim your bushes and trees regularly
• Put bars on your windows and door
• Have TV or radio on when leaving home
• Know neighbors and alerts police if anything suspicious

You might be surprised by the revelation of convicted criminals about how they approach the house and strike while it also serves a great reminder of how homeowners can do to avoid being targeted.

What to Do If There Are Signs that Your House is Marked

If someone is casing your house, the most effective way to prevent a break-in is using home security devices.

Interesting and surprisingly, many break-ins and home invasion can be avoided and financial loss could be substantially reduced if homeowners have some security systems in place, report suspicious people around the neighborhood, and alert local police. For example, the new Reolink Altas PT Ultra can be a good choice.

Suggestions

• Keep a record or note of suspicious activities such as times of the events, makes of possible vehicle, the appearance of the people in question
• Notify neighbors about suspicious activities
• Inform local police if necessary and requires extra patrolling on the areas
• Shore up home security by installing home security cameras/security systems
• Reinforce doors/windows or other possible entrances

If you have a security system in place, make sure to scan through recorded footages security cameras regularly and pay extra attention to the abnormality inside and outside the house.

Therefore, it’s important to have extra pairs of eyes on the lookout for you whether you are at home or away for holiday. And it’s essential to take some measures to eschew becoming easy targets for burglars.

What to Do If Someone Is Outside your House at Night?

If some people hang out outside your home or some suspicious person taking pictures of your house at night, what should you do? In other situations, how to tell if someone is in your house at night? Here, we list some suggestions:

• Assess the Situation: Take a moment to assess the situation. Is the person acting suspiciously or posing a threat, or could they be a neighbor, delivery person, lost individual or criminal at home behind house?

• Avoid Confrontation: Avoid confronting the person directly, especially if you're alone. Instead, observe from a safe distance and assess their behavior.

• Stay Indoors: If you're inside your house, stay indoors and ensure all doors and windows are securely locked. Avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary.

• Contact Police: If you feel threatened or believe the person poses a risk to your safety, contact local law enforcement immediately. Provide them with a description of the individual and any relevant details about their behavior.

• Use Security Measures: If you have a home security system, consider activating it to alert you to any potential threats or to deter unauthorized individuals from entering your property.

FAQs

How do you tell if your house is being targeted?

You can tell if your house is being targeted by burglars by looking out for suspicious signs such as unfamiliar vehicles parked nearby for extended periods, strangers lingering or walking by frequently, flyers or stickers left on your door or mailbox, signs of tampering with locks or windows, and unexpected visits from people asking unusual questions or offering unsolicited services.

What does casing a house mean?

Casing a house means the practice of a potential burglar observing and studying a property to identify security weaknesses and determine the best time and method for a break-in. The process of casing houses often includes monitoring the homeowners' routines, checking for security systems, and assessing entry points such as doors and windows.

What do burglars use to mark houses?

Burglars often use subtle and easily overlooked methods to mark houses they intend to target, for example, placing small, inconspicuous items like stones, sticks, or pieces of string near the property. They might also use chalk marks, paint, or stickers on mailboxes, fences, or street signs.

Conclusion

Staying vigilant to signs of burglary can significantly enhance your home’s security. By recognizing 10 signs your house is being watched by robbers and burglar unusual actions, you can take proactive measures to protect your property.