21 Things Your Burglar Won’t Tell You
Are you concerned about home security when someone outside your house knocks on your door? There are a lot of things that a burglar might do. Here are some tips from interviews with burglars – things they will not tell you.
Some of the things a burglar is thinking and will not tell you…
1. “Of course, I look familiar. I was here last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.”
2. “Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom while working in your yard last week. While in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return easier.”
3. “I love 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 gaming system they have.”
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4. “Yes, 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.. “
5. “I see there have been no tire or foot tracks in the snow of your driveway. You must be away..” If 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.
6. “I can see your house alarm control console through your door’s glass, and I notice that it’s not armed.” If 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.
7. “I’ll bet there are no window alarms on the 2nd floor.” A good security company alarms the window over the sink and the windows on the second floor, which often access the main bedroom, and your jewelry. It’s not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there, too.
8. It’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.”
9. “I 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.)
10. “Do you think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.”
11. A helpful hint: “I rarely go into kids’ rooms.”
12. “You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But I’ll take it with me if it’s not bolted down.”
13. “I hear the TV. You must be home.” A 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 invest in a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of an actual television. This affordable solution can give you peace of mind when you’re away.
From outside at night, this “Fake TV” makes it look like someone’s home. I always use this when we go away for an overnight or vacation.
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[ Read: Fake TV Burglar Deterrent For Home Security – How it Works ]
14. “Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best never to look like a crook.”
15. “The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.”
16. “I’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 return to what he was doing. It’s human nature.”
17. “I’m not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?”
18. “I 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. Before you close the blinds, I’ll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night to pick my targets.”
19. “I saw on Facebook that you’re on vacation. Perfect!” Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It’s easier than you think to look up your address.
20. “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.”
21. “If you don’t answer when I knock, I’ll try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in!”
Home Security Tip
(Using Your Electronic Car Keys)
Keep your electronic car key fob beside your bed at night.
If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in, just press the panic button (on your key), and the car alarm will sound!
Next time you start to put your keys away, think of this: Your car alarm is a security alarm system. You can activate it from almost everywhere inside your house by pressing the key-fob panic button. Test it. It should work if you park in your driveway or garage.
If your car alarm goes off when someone tries to break into your house, the burglar won’t stick around. After a few seconds, all the neighbors will look out their windows to see who is out there and what’s happening.
Remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The car alarm will work the same way there—press the panic button. This is a simple thing that should be shared with everyone.
[ Read: 10 Things To Do When A Stranger Knocks On Your Door ]
[ Read: 50 Personal Security Tips ]