21 Things a Burglar Won’t Tell You

I'll look familiarOf course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator. Here are 15 signs your house is vulnerable to being robbed.Don't let me use your bathroomHey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.Your yard gives us a lot of cluesLove those flowers. That tells me you have taste … and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have. By the way, this is the most common time for burglaries–and it's not at night. We know when you're away for a long timeYes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it. This is the state where you're most likely to get robbed. Create tracks in the snowIf it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway. Here's another way to avoid being an easy target for criminals. Glass doors are our best friendsIf decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set. That makes it too easy. Here are 13 signs your house is being watched.We target certain windowsA good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It’s not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too. While you're at it, you should memorize these tricks to outsmart criminals, too. We aren't scared of a little rainIt’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather. Find out what evidence some dumb criminals left behind.We try to come off as politeI always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don’t take me up on it.) Here are some secrets a home security installer won't tell you. We know you hide things in your drawersDo you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet. Word of advice: Find better hiding places for your valuables. We don't want to deal with all of your kid toysHere's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms. But if you own any of these cars, it's pretty likely to get stolen. Bolt down your safeYou're right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me. Here are 7 sneaky ways burglars can break into your house.We don't like TVsA loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.) Criminals aren't just in your home, though–they're also online. Here's how you can protect yourself while surfing the web. I won't look like a burglarSometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook. Here are 8 ways you can fool burglars and make it look like you're home. It pays to have a dogThe two things I hate most: Loud dogs and nosy neighbors. By the way, if you're ever out at a restaurant or bar, here's how to practically theft-proof your purse. I'm not afraid to break a windowI’ll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he’ll stop what he’s doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn’t hear it again, he’ll just go back to what he was doing. It’s human nature. Find out the difference between burglary and robbery. Always set your alarm Your alarm only works if it's on. I’m not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it? (Your phone is an easy gateway for criminals to access your personal information, too.) Here's how to keep your phone and private information safe. Close your blindsI love looking in your windows. I’m looking for signs that you’re home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I’d like. I’ll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets. Find out the 10 hiding spots burglars always look first. Don't give updates on social mediaAvoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It’s easier than you think to look up your address. Here are 11 photos you should never post on social media. Close your windows when you're not homeLock your windows. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it’s an invitation.Remember to lock your doorIf you don’t answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in. Next, here are 13 things to do if your home gets broken into.

Home Improvement

21 Things a Burglar Won’t Tell You

Is it a crime to spend money on a home security system these days? A look inside the mind of convicted burglars will help you decide.

I’ll look familiar

Don’t let me use your bathroom

Your yard gives us a lot of clues

Home Improvement

I’ll look familiar

Don’t let me use your bathroom

Your yard gives us a lot of clues

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