Top 10 Most Burglarized Cities in Pennsylvania
Key Takeaways
1. Certain cities in Pennsylvania, like McKees Rocks, Reading, and Philadelphia, experience significantly higher burglary rates than the national average, posing a challenge for homeowners.
2. Improving home security with measures like window locks, home security systems, and motion-activated lighting can effectively reduce the risk of break-ins in high-crime areas.
3. Great Valley Lockshop offers comprehensive home security services, including the installation of high-security locks and custom security systems, for residents in Southeastern Pennsylvania, including West Chester, Malvern, and Philadelphia.
Most Dangerous Cities in Pennsylvania for Property Owners – Burglary Concerns
While residential burglary average crime rates have decreased nationwide by 14% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 (and 39% compared to 2019), these trends are not uniformly reflected across all cities in Pennsylvania.
In fact, certain cities continue to struggle with high property crime rates, including burglary and theft. Based on recent crime statistics, here are the top 10 most dangerous cities for property owners in Pennsylvania, focusing on burglary risks.
- McKees Rocks
McKees Rocks experiences a crime rate of 63.29 incidents per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average. Property crimes, particularly burglaries, are prevalent, with 46.82 incidents per 1,000 people. - Reading
With a crime rate of 63.05 incidents per 1,000 residents, Reading ranks among the most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania. Property crimes are 46% higher than the state average, with numerous burglaries and thefts. - Philadelphia
Philadelphia has a crime rate of 53.67 incidents per 1,000 people, making it a hotspot for property crimes. Property crime, including motor vehicle theft, occurs at a rate of 43.28 incidents per 1,000 residents. - Darby
Darby reports a crime rate of 46.76 incidents per 1,000 residents. Property crimes are particularly high, with 34.03 incidents per 1,000 people. The city’s poverty rate is often linked to its elevated crime levels. - Chester
Chester’s crime rate is 116% higher than the Pennsylvania state average, with 4,389 crimes per 100,000 people. Burglaries and thefts make up a significant portion of property crimes. - McKeesport
McKeesport has a total crime rate of 4,291 incidents per 100,000 people, with a 1 in 24 chance of residents becoming crime victims. Property crimes, especially burglaries and thefts, are widespread. - Yeadon
Yeadon experiences a crime rate of 4,083 incidents per 100,000 people. Residents face a 1 in 25 chance of becoming victims, with burglaries and thefts being frequent occurrences. - Ambridge
Ambridge has a total crime rate of 4,057 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 73% higher than the national average. Property crimes, including burglaries and thefts, are common. - Johnstown
Johnstown’s crime rate is 68% higher than the state average, with 3,417 incidents per 100,000 people. Burglaries and thefts are a frequent concern for property owners. - Erie
Erie reports a crime rate of 2,872 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it 24% more dangerous than the national average and 48% higher than the Pennsylvania average. Burglaries and thefts are prominent.
Home Security Tips for the Highest Crime Cities in Pennsylvania
Whether you live in one of these cities or not, home security should always be a focal point. It’s important to safeguard and protect the things and people that are most precious to you.
According to FBI Burglary statistics, a 65% property crime rate of of home break-in incidents occur through forcible entry via front, rear, and garage door entries. While this statistic is startling, the good news is that your home’s security can be increased with just a few upgrades.
Protecting your home in cities with higher crime rates requires a multi-layered approach. Here are ten effective home security tips to safeguard your property.
- Use Window Locks
Many people lock their doors at night but leave their windows open. Installing and consistently using window locks is crucial to keep intruders out. If your windows can open, they should be secured with reliable locks, both for residential and commercial buildings. - Apply Security Window Film
Even if you have window locks, they are ineffective if your windows can be easily broken. Security window film strengthens your glass, making it difficult to shatter and helping prevent unauthorized entry. - Install a Home Security System
Homes without security systems are up to three times more likely to be burglarized. Great Valley Lockshop can expertly install and integrate advanced home security systems, providing you with an extra layer of protection. Their experienced team ensures your system is customized to meet your home’s unique needs, from alarm systems to smart security solutions. - Keep Your Yard Maintained
Overgrown bushes and shrubs provide hiding spots for intruders and signal that you might not be home. Keeping your yard well-trimmed removes potential cover for burglars and improves visibility around your home. - Install Motion-Activated Lights
Motion-activated lights illuminate areas around your home when someone approaches. Burglars seeking to avoid detection will be discouraged by the sudden flood of light, increasing the likelihood that they will flee before committing a crime. - Upgrade to High-Security Locks
Standard locks can be picked or drilled, but high-security locks offer better protection. Great Valley Lockshop offers a wide range of high-security lock options, ensuring your home and business are equipped with locks that are resistant to tampering and break-ins. - Add Deadbolts
Installing deadbolt locks is an easy way to increase your home’s security. Deadbolts and other high-security locks are difficult to force open, providing an extra layer of protection to your exterior doors. Consider using a double-cylinder deadbolt for doors near windows for added security. - Use High-Security Strike Plates
Reinforcing your doors with heavy-duty strike plates makes it harder for intruders to force them open. Great Valley Lockshop offers strike plates that are installed with extra-long screws for maximum strength, helping to prevent break-ins through exterior doors. - Install Latch Protection Plates
Latch protection plates cover latches and deadbolts to prevent tampering. These plates are affordable yet highly effective in deterring burglars, providing another layer of defense for both in-swinging and out-swinging doors. - Secure Exterior Hinges
Exterior hinges are a vulnerability if left unprotected. To secure your outward-swinging doors, use non-removable hinge pins or setscrew locks, making it nearly impossible for intruders to remove the door from its frame.
Securing your home is vital, especially in high-crime areas. By taking steps such as upgrading your locks, installing security systems, and reinforcing weak points, you can significantly reduce your risk of burglary.
For expert assistance, Great Valley Lockshop offers comprehensive security services, including custom lock installations, security systems, and much more. Contact Great Valley Lockshop today to enhance your home’s security and protect what matters most.
What Constitutes as a Property Crime?
Property crime refers to offenses involving the theft or destruction of someone’s property without using force or violence, such as burglary, theft, and vandalism. In some of the most dangerous Pennsylvania cities, both violent and property crime rates are significantly higher than state and national averages, posing risks to homeowners.
To reduce these risks, improving home security—such as installing high-security locks, surveillance systems, and motion-activated lighting—can help deter criminal activity. Combining these measures with professional locksmith services can make homes in these high-crime areas significantly safer.
Factors that Influence Violent and Property Crime
Crime rates are influenced by a range of social and economic factors, creating significant challenges for communities across the country. Understanding these factors is crucial when assessing violent crime rates, particularly in dangerous places where natural beauty can contrast sharply with high levels of violent crimes.
Below are some of the key factors that affect both violent and property crime in any given area.
- Socioeconomic conditions. Poverty, unemployment rates, and income inequality can drive violent crime rates, particularly in a dangerous city with a low median household income.
- Education. Lower levels of education often correlate with higher violent crime rates.
- Family structure. Unstable family environments and single-parent households may increase the risk of violent crimes.
- Drug and alcohol abuse. Substance abuse significantly contributes to both violent and property crimes in dangerous places.
- Neighborhood environment. Areas with poor infrastructure, limited access to services, and high residential mobility tend to have higher violent crime rates.
- Law enforcement. Police presence, effectiveness, and community engagement can impact crime prevention, especially in cities known for being dangerous places.
- Demographics. Younger populations are statistically more likely to commit crimes, influencing the violent crime rate in certain regions.
What Should I Do If My Home Has Been Burglarized?
One of the worst experiences is the violation of a home burglary. If your house has been broken into, it can be an overwhelming feeling.
Experiencing a home burglary can be overwhelming, but following these steps can help you regain control and secure your home.
- Stay Outside and Call the Police
Don’t enter your home. For your safety and to preserve evidence, stay outside or go to a neighbor’s house and call the police. Wait for law enforcement to arrive and avoid touching anything inside. - File a Police Report
When the police arrive, they will inspect your home, check for evidence, and speak with neighbors. Filing a police report creates a record of the crime, which will be important for your insurance claim. Be sure to get a copy of the report for your records. - Make a List of Missing Items
Once the police give you the all-clear, walk through your home and list everything that was stolen or damaged. Include serial numbers and estimated values. Don’t forget to check your garage and other areas for missing items. - Talk to Your Neighbors
Let your neighbors know what happened and ask if they saw anything unusual. Their information could be helpful to the police. Also, check if any nearby homes have experienced similar incidents. - Check for Security Footage
If you or your neighbors have security cameras, review the footage for anything suspicious. Share any relevant video with the police to help their investigation. - Document the Scene
Take pictures and videos of the damage and the state of your home. This documentation will help with both the police investigation and your insurance claim. - Notify Your Bank
Contact your bank if any financial documents, credit cards, or checkbooks were accessible during the break-in. Even if these weren’t taken, it’s smart to monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. - Make an Insurance Claim
Review your homeowners’ insurance policy to understand what’s covered. Gather evidence like receipts, photos, and the police report before contacting your insurance company to file a claim. - Secure Your Home
After a burglary, your home may have broken windows or damaged locks. You’ll need to secure these access points as soon as possible to protect your family and belongings. Professional repair services can help temporarily secure windows and doors. - Contact a Locksmith and Increase Security
Changing your locks is one of the first steps to regaining your sense of security. Contact Great Valley Lockshop for expert locksmith services to quickly replace locks and assess weak points in your home’s security. Consider upgrading to high-security locks and adding additional measures like a security system to prevent future break-ins.
A home burglary is a traumatic event, but taking immediate steps to secure your home and increase its protection is key.
Contact Great Valley Lockshop for professional locksmith services and advice on improving your home’s security. Let us help you regain peace of mind and keep your property safe.
Prevent Home Break-Ins By Improving Your Home Security
Living in one of Pennsylvania’s most burglarized cities means prioritizing home security to protect your family and belongings. Great Valley Lockshop, based in Chester County, proudly serves communities across Southeastern Pennsylvania, including West Chester, Malvern, Exton, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re in Philadelphia, a high-crime neighborhood, or a quieter suburban town, we offer tailored residential security solutions to meet your needs.
Our residiential services include installing high-security locks, keyless entry systems, deadbolts, smart locks, and door reinforcements. As your trusted local locksmith, we provide expert consultations and installations to ensure your home is safeguarded against potential break-ins. Contact GV Lock at (484) 324-2986 or request a free quote online
