Longer Nights Bring Burglary Concerns, Texas Police Issue Holiday Warning

Every year around this time, I start noticing the same pattern — the sun sets earlier, the evenings stretch longer, and suddenly, police departments across Texas begin sounding the alarm. It’s not paranoia. It’s timing. Longer nights and the holiday rush always seem to bring a quiet rise in home burglaries.

This week, Pflugerville police reported 36 home burglaries so far in 2025 — already more than last year’s total of 31. And we’re not even through October yet. Add Halloween distractions, holiday travel, and homes left empty after dark, and you’ve got the perfect mix criminals look for.

As one Texas officer put it, “Crime is all about opportunity.” The darker and busier our days get, the more those opportunities grow. It’s easy to think, “It won’t happen here,” but the truth is, most neighborhoods that get hit sound just like yours and mine — quiet, safe, familiar.

The goal isn’t to live scared. It’s to stay aware. Because a few small choices — locking doors, setting lights, talking with your kids — can change everything. That’s what police are trying to remind families across Texas right now: the season is shifting, and it’s time to tighten up before the long nights settle in.

So before you dive into Halloween plans or hang those holiday lights, ask yourself — is your home truly ready for the dark?

Why the Season Fuels Crime: Longer Nights and Distracted Families

If you talk to any Texas officer right now, they’ll tell you the same thing — the season itself creates opportunity.

When daylight saving time ends, evenings turn dark before most of us even leave work. And as KVUE first reported, police say this early darkness, mixed with the chaos of holidays, is exactly when burglars get bold.

Think about it: Halloween night alone means over 41 million kids trick-or-treating nationwide. That’s millions of front doors opening, lights flashing, and parents distracted. Burglars don’t need hours — just a few quiet minutes while your family’s out or focused on something else.

I’ve seen this pattern for years — December hits, houses fill with packages, people travel, and those empty driveways start catching eyes. The reality isn’t that crime spikes because people get worse; it’s because homes get easier. Darkness hides movement, noise blends in, and most of us forget the basics when the holidays start.

If you’ve ever thought, “We live in a good area,” remember: that’s exactly what every neighborhood says — until it happens there.

It’s a pattern seen far beyond Texas too — in Atherton, California, where two homes were targeted within an hour, police said the suspects struck just as residents stepped out for short evening errands.

Inside the Numbers: How Texas Burglary Trends Are Shifting

Let’s talk about what’s actually happening.

In Pflugerville alone, 36 burglaries have already been reported in 2025, compared to 31 in all of 2024 — and we’re still counting. That’s not a random uptick. It’s a sign that burglars are watching seasonal patterns just as closely as police do.

Across Texas, the data has been steady for years: burglaries climb between October and January, especially during the two weeks after daylight saving time ends. The evening window between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. tends to be the most active — right when most families are cooking dinner or watching TV.

And it’s not always dramatic. In most cases, someone simply forgot to lock the back door, close the garage, or switch on the lights. More than half of reported home entries in Texas happen without forced entry.

That means opportunity — not violence — is the main factor driving these crimes.

Numbers don’t lie. Darkness + distraction + unlocked doors = risk.

In some cases, quick police coordination has helped catch repeat offenders — like in Walnut Creek, where two suspects were charged following a home burglary earlier this year.

“Crime Is About Opportunity”: What Texas Police Want Families to Know

Pflugerville Police Officer Carl Kearney said it best:

“You present the opportunity, a criminal will more than likely commit the crime.”

That’s the line that stuck with me. Because Kearney isn’t talking about paranoia — he’s talking about prevention.

He told that families should start with simple, everyday actions: get to know your neighbors, double-check your locks and outdoor lights, and use cameras or smart doorbells if you can. None of this is complicated, but it’s amazing how many people skip it when the holidays start.

Kearney also reminded parents to include their kids. Talk to them about what to do if they notice something odd, or if someone knocks after dark. The truth is, preparation doesn’t make you paranoid — it makes you ready.

And readiness is what separates an easy target from a safe home.

In big cities too, that same principle applies — as seen in Queens, where burglars stole $3 million in jewelry from a home when the owners were away.

How to Reinforce Your Home Security This Season?

I’ve learned that protecting your home isn’t about spending a fortune — it’s about staying consistent.

Start with lighting. A bright front yard is one of the cheapest deterrents you can create. Motion sensors, porch lights, even smart bulbs set to turn on at sunset — all of it helps.

Next, look at access points. Back doors, side gates, and garage entries are the top three ways burglars get in. Lock them even when you’re home. Especially during the evening hours when you’re distracted by dinner, TV, or guests.

Then add eyes. If you can, set up a video doorbell or simple Wi-Fi camera facing the entry. Not only do they record evidence — they signal awareness. Burglars hate awareness.

And finally, connect with your community. Whether it’s a WhatsApp group, neighborhood Facebook page, or local watch — communication matters. When one person shares something suspicious, it often prevents three more attempts.

Security isn’t just hardware. It’s habit.

If You Notice Something Suspicious: How to Respond Safely

Sometimes, it’s not about prevention — it’s about quick, calm action.

If you ever come home and something feels off — maybe the door’s cracked open or the lights are different — don’t go inside.

Step back, move to a safe distance, and call your local police department immediately.
In Texas, most local agencies have non-emergency lines for exactly this reason.

If you see something odd in your neighborhood — unfamiliar cars circling, people walking between houses, or packages being moved after dark — note the time, description, and license plate if possible. Then report it. Even if it feels small.

Police always say the same thing: they’d rather respond to a false alarm than a crime in progress.
And they mean it.

So don’t hesitate. A quick call or message could protect not just your house — but your whole street.

A Safer, Calmer Holiday Season Starts with Awareness

When you strip away the statistics, police quotes, and headlines, this all comes down to one simple truth — awareness keeps you ahead.

The holidays are supposed to feel warm and familiar: lights on the porch, laughter from next door, kids running around in costumes. That’s what makes this season special. But it’s also what makes us let our guard down. Burglars don’t look for chaos — they look for routine. They look for that one house that forgot to close the curtains or left a window cracked because “it’s just for a minute.”

What Texas police are asking for isn’t fear. It’s mindfulness. Check your locks. Turn on the porch light. Tell a neighbor when you’ll be away. None of it takes long, but every step adds another layer between your family and someone else’s opportunity.

If there’s one takeaway from Officer Kearney’s reminder — “Being prepared is key” — it’s that safety isn’t something you buy once. It’s something you practice.

So as you hang those lights, hand out candy, or pack for a trip, take sixty seconds tonight to look around your home with fresh eyes. Would a stranger see opportunity — or awareness?

Because that’s the difference between a peaceful holiday season… and a preventable headline.

Have you ever noticed more suspicious activity in your neighborhood when nights get longer? What small habit or tool has made you feel safer at home? Share your thoughts — your experience might help someone else sleep easier this season.

Want to stay updated on real burglary cases and safety advice from across the U.S.? Visit our Home Security section for recent reports, police alerts, and prevention tips.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional security or legal advice. Always follow guidance from your local law enforcement and verify details with official sources. The author and publisher are not responsible for actions taken based on this content.