7 Warning Signs Burglars Are Testing Your Home Security (And What to Do About It)

Most people believe break-ins happen suddenly — that a burglar randomly chooses a house, forces entry, and steals valuables. But in reality, many burglaries are preceded by tests. Offenders often probe a property to gauge how secure it is before attempting a full intrusion.

For homeowners in Victoria, this is an important fact to understand. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), in 2023–24, 2.1% of households experienced an attempted break-in — that’s more than 200,000 households nationwide. What’s even more concerning is that only 44% of these attempted intrusions were reported to police, meaning most go unrecognised or ignored.

If you know what to look for, you can act before a burglary happens. In this guide, we outline the seven most common signs that your home’s security is being tested, and what professional locksmith solutions can protect you.

1. Scratches, Marks, and Damaged Locks

Small scratches around your front door lock may seem like everyday wear and tear, but locksmiths recognise these as one of the most common signs of a forced entry attempt.

Signs to Watch For

  • Fresh scratches near the keyhole (caused by lock picking or “bump keys”).
  • Loose or bent lock fittings.
  • Latch or bolt not aligning correctly.
  • Minor frame damage near the lock or strike plate.

Why Burglars Do This

Intruders often test a lock to see how resistant it is. If they meet resistance, they may back off — but they’ll often return later if the lock remains unchanged.

Locksmith Solution

  • Rekey locks to invalidate old or copied keys.
  • Upgrade to restricted key systems or anti-pick cylinders.
  • Reinforce strike plates and door frames.

2. Moved or Tampered Windows

While doors are the most obvious entry point, studies suggest up to 30% of burglaries involve windows. Offenders often attempt to pry or manipulate windows before doors.

Signs to Watch For

  • Bent or damaged window latches.
  • Loose locks or rattling frames.
  • Small cracks near the latch.
  • Screens moved or removed.

Locksmith Solution

  • Install window locks for sliding, sash, or casement windows.
  • Rekey existing window locks.
  • Apply security film or consider window bars for vulnerable areas.

3. Tampered Mailboxes

Your mailbox can be one of the earliest signs of criminal probing. Burglars and identity thieves sometimes target them before the home itself.

Signs to Watch For

  • Missing or scattered mail.
  • Lock feels stiff or broken.
  • Bent lid or forced hinges.
  • Unfamiliar people lingering near your mailbox.

Why Burglars Do This

  • To check if you’re home (overflowing mail can signal absence).
  • To steal sensitive information (bank statements, bills).
  • To test how responsive you are to disturbances.

Locksmith Solution

  • Replace mailbox locks.
  • Install high-security locks that resist picking.
  • For multi-unit dwellings, install master-keyed mailbox systems.

4. The Knock or Doorbell Test

Burglars don’t like surprises. They prefer empty homes, which is why many will knock on doors or ring doorbells to check if someone is home.

Signs to Watch For

  • Frequent knocks with no one there when you answer.
  • Strangers pretending to offer services or ask for directions.
  • Doorbell rings at unusual hours, especially when you’re away.

Locksmith Solution

  • Install high-security deadbolts and restricted keys.
  • Add a peephole or video doorbell so you can safely verify visitors.
  • Book a locksmith for a full security audit to eliminate weak points.

5. Disguised Attempts: Gates, Sheds, and Side Doors

Not all burglars start with the front door. Many begin with less obvious access points — garden sheds, side gates, or garages — to test how closely you monitor your property.

Signs to Watch For

  • Scratched or damaged padlocks.
  • Shed doors left slightly open.
  • Gates unlatched or forced.
  • Tools or small items missing.

Why Burglars Do This

Sheds and garages often store tools that can be used for larger break-ins. Once they have access to these, burglars may attempt a more direct entry later.

Locksmith Solution

  • Fit heavy-duty padlocks and chains.
  • Install roller door or garage door locks.
  • Secure side gates with modern locking systems.

6. Minor Incidents That Add Up

Sometimes it’s not one big event but a series of “minor” issues that reveal your home is being watched or tested.

Signs to Watch For

  • Outdoor furniture moved.
  • Bins shifted near fences (for climbing access).
  • Items missing from the yard.
  • Windows or doors slightly ajar.

Why Burglars Do This

These behaviours let intruders learn about your habits and gauge how often you check or secure your property.

Locksmith Solution

  • Schedule a comprehensive security audit.
  • Upgrade locks across the property.
  • Rekey locks after suspicious disturbances.

7. CCTV and Alarm Tampering

If you have CCTV or alarms, burglars may test them before making a move. This is particularly common in higher-value properties.

Signs to Watch For

  • Cameras shifted, blocked, or tilted.
  • Alarm triggered without cause.
  • Cables cut or disconnected.
  • Power to the security system disrupted.

Locksmith Solution

  • Reinforce CCTV housings.
  • Install backup systems with battery support.
  • Ensure physical locks remain strong, creating a layered defence.

Why Recognising These Signs Matters

The ABS data shows thousands of households across Australia experience attempted break-ins every year. In Victoria, the risk is just as real. The problem isn’t just burglaries — it’s the tests leading up to them.

Recognising early signs such as scratches on locks, tampered mailboxes, or repeated suspicious knocks gives you time to act before criminals succeed.

And the most effective first step? Calling a professional locksmith.

How Locksman Protects Your Home

At Locksman, we provide locksmith services across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, including Malvern, Malvern East, Armadale, Glen Iris, Toorak, Hawthorn, Caulfield, Kooyong, and South Yarra.

Our services include:

  • Emergency lockouts
  • Lock installation and repair
  • Rekeying and key duplication
  • High-security deadbolt upgrades
  • Mailbox, gate, and window locks
  • Full property security audits

Final Thoughts

Burglars are patient. They often test properties multiple times before deciding whether to strike. By learning the warning signs and responding quickly, you can stop a burglary before it happens.

Locks are your first and most important barrier. If you notice even small signs that your home may have been tested, take them seriously and act immediately.

Call Locksman today on 0439 891 174 or 1300 569 626, or visit locksman.com.au