How likely you are to be burgled varies depending on what state you live in, a new report has found.
Washington State sees the most burglaries per capita of any state, with 548 burglaries per 100,000 citizens being recorded in 2022.
The second- and third-worst states are New Mexico and Oklahoma, with 481 and 456 burglaries per 100,000 citizens respectively, according to criminal defense firm Suzuki Law Offices, which analyzed FBI crime data.
This map highlights the states where the burglary rates are highest. New England and the Midwest appear to have lower rates of burglary, while the West Coast and the South have higher rates.
"This research sheds light on an important and complex issue," Richard Suzuki from Suzuki Law Offices said in a statement. "It is important to understand that crime is often a symptom of larger societal issues and strategies to address them go beyond law enforcement; investing in community programs, education, job creation, and mental health services can all have a profound impact on reducing crime rates."
The report says Washington has seen a 6 percent rise in burglaries since 2021, with 43,481 reported offenses. The average value of items stolen per burglary was $6,195.
The second-highest state, New Mexico, saw 481.1 burglaries committed per 100,000 people in 2022, at around 11,590 burglaries, while Oklahoma saw 456.3 burglaries committed per 100,000 people, at 19,388 offenses in 2022. The average value of items stolen equated to $6,195 and $2,730, respectively, and the majority of burglaries in these states occurred during the day rather than the night.
Fourth on the list was Arkansas with 433.6 burglaries per 100,000 people; fifth, Nevada, with 424.9 burglaries per 100,000; Louisiana is sixth, with 392.7 burglaries per 100,000 citizens; and seventh is Colorado, with 366.9 burglaries per 100,000 people. Eighth, ninth, and 10th were North Dakota, California, and South Carolina, with 366.3 burglaries, 357.2 burglaries and 354.2 reported burglaries per 100,000.
The safest state in the country for burglaries was found to be New Hampshire, with only 1,013 in 2022, giving it a rate of only 76.2 per 100,000 citizens.
"With home burglaries, offenders exploit the daytime hours when houses are more likely to be unoccupied due to work or school commitments, making them easier targets. Burglars that target businesses mainly offend during the night when the buildings are empty," Suzuki said.
"With that said, it is crucial for Americans to take preventative measures to safeguard their homes and businesses from burglary. Simple steps like installing robust locks, using security systems, and ensuring proper lighting can significantly deter potential burglars.
"Ultimately, the fight against burglary is not just about securing property but also about creating safer communities," Suzuki added.
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