Have you seen the current issue of Reader's Digest? There is an unbelievable list of 13 Things a Burglar Won't Tell You. I just got off the Today Show sharing some of those tips with Matt Lauer, who admitted off camera that he has been burglarized three times. I too have had several burglaries. It's not fun. It's a real invasion. When you walk into your home and you realize things are missing you basically get sick to your stomach.

I spoke with Michelle Crouch who wrote the article for Reader's Digest to find out how she got burglars to "spill."  She told me it was not an easy assignment. She couldn't get to prisons across the country so she met several ex cons at halfway houses. The advice she offers is eerie.

My mom called after the segment aired and said, "Why don't you take your own advice?"  Now I think I will at least try to be more diligent about protecting my home.

Some of the tips that surprised me were:

1. Don't leave toys outside the house: Because burglars think there is good gaming equipment inside the house.

2. Make sure there are track marks in the snow if you are away: No sign of a car pulling in and out is an invitation.

3. Don't tell friends on the social networks that you are on vacation: Thieves access those sites as well.

4. Don't hide your jewels in the sock drawer or medicine cabinet.  It's the first place they check. They almost never enter a children's room

There are lots more. Check out:
13 Things a Burglar Won't Tell You
8 More Things a Burglar Won't Tell You

Happy Travels and be careful securing your home before you leave.