Equipping yourself with the right information can be a powerful weapon. How can you protect yourself from burglaries if you aren't aware of certain things you have to look out for? 

To help with your confusion, ADT has compiled a few pointers to remember when it comes to home invasion safety.

If you want to prevent home invasions from occurring, a home security system is vital. If you contact your local locksmith, they will be able to show you certain areas in your home that need work, if there are any, and they can recommend products you can use to keep you safe. Locksmiths are equipped to upgrade the locks on your doors and windows, as well as accurately install sensors and alarms in your home for them to be useful.

Educate yourself on a burglar's common patterns, such as the most common time for break-ins, what burglars look for, why burglars may single you out, and how to tell if a burglar is watching your house, can help you prevent a break-in from occurring.

When do most burglaries take place? Most home burglaries occur between 10 am and 3 pm.  According to jsu.edu, most home burglaries occur between 10 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. However, an investigative report out of Portland for KGW News found that some burglars preferred the specific window of 12:30 to 2:30 pm because they wouldn’t be interrupted by someone coming home for lunch and school would still be in session. More burglaries also occur in the summer months than in the winter months because they are more likely to test your home security during warmer months.

Who is the typical home intruder? Burglars are often opportunistic, they might even live within two miles of the victim. That way, the victims are easier for them to monitor for timings of vulnerability. In terms of identity, most burglars are male and under the age of 25.

How to tell if a burglar is watching your house? You cannot always trust what the media shows burglars, they are often stereotyped and therefore incorrect.  If you see vehicles or people you don’t recognize showing up around the same area on a semi-regular basis, take note. Be especially wary if you see any strangers taking photos outside your home. It could be an example of a burglar "casing your home," or evaluating how hard it would be to enter it. Be aware of people who may try to pose as a door-to-door salesperson or claim to be with a utility company in order to gain entry to your home. Remember to not let any stranger in at all times.

Where do burglaries typically take place? Do not let yourself be an easy target, homes without home security systems are three times as likely to be broken into. Make sure your home is well lit and monitored by security cameras. Good lighting and visibility are a burglar deterrent. Update your locks and make sure valuables are well hidden.