How to Tell If Someone Is Watching Your House: 6 Subtle Signs You Should Never Ignore

When we think about home security, we often focus on the break-in itself — but most burglaries are preceded by something far more subtle: surveillance.

Many burglars don’t just “get lucky.” They watch and plan.
They study routines, blind spots, and patterns. The good news is — you can detect it.

Here are six warning signs that someone might be watching your home with bad intentions:

1. Unfamiliar Vehicles Loitering Nearby
A car you don’t recognize, parked near your house for long periods — especially if it shows up repeatedly — is a red flag.

• Is someone sitting inside for hours with the engine off?
• Are the windows heavily tinted?
• Do they leave quickly when approached?

Take note. Snap a photo (discreetly), record the license plate, and consider alerting your neighbors or local authorities if the behavior persists.

2. Strangers Knocking With Vague Questions
This is a common recon tactic. Someone knocks on your door asking for a person who doesn’t live there. Or they pretend to be handing out flyers, selling something, or “looking for their dog.”

What they’re actually doing is:

• Checking if someone’s home
• Observing your security setup
• Listening to how many people are inside

Don’t overshare. And always ask for ID if someone claims to be from a company or organization.

3. Flyers, Rocks, or Junk Left on Your Doorstep or Gate
Some criminals will leave:

• Flyers stuck in your door
• Small stones or sticks on your fence
• Even garbage bags near your property

Why? They’re testing how long it takes before you remove them — to figure out if you're home regularly.

Pro tip: Walk around your property every day and inspect all entry points. Small objects out of place may not be accidental.

4. Neighbors Mention Someone Asking About You
If a stranger asks your neighbor, “Do they go to work around this time?” or “Are they usually home on weekends?” — that’s an immediate red flag.

This tactic is more common than you think — and often masked with a friendly tone.

Ask your neighbors to let you know if anyone inquires about your habits, and return the favor by doing the same for them.

5. Frequent Camera Alerts Without a Visible Cause
If your smart security cameras or video doorbells keep going off, but you see no one clearly on the footage — pay attention.

• Someone may be lingering just outside of view
• They might be testing your camera range
• Or triggering it intentionally to see how you respond

Consider adjusting your camera angles, adding lights, or installing secondary devices to cover blind spots.

6. Your Dog Acts Unusually at Specific Times
Dogs are naturally alert to movement, smell, and sound. If your dog:

• Barks consistently at the same time every evening
• Fixates on a certain corner of the yard
• Becomes agitated when approaching doors or windows

…don’t ignore it.

Your dog might be picking up on repeated activity — someone passing by or watching from a distance.

🔒 What You Should Do If You Notice a Pattern:
• Keep a written log of unusual activity
• Install or reposition cameras to cover blind spots
• Share your concerns with trusted neighbors
• Consider informing local law enforcement, especially if multiple signs appear

Staying vigilant is the first step in preventing a crime before it happens.
As I always say — security is proactive, not reactive.

📘 P.S.

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