13 things a burglar won't tell you
Reader's Digest recently ran an article titled "13 Things a Burglar Won't Tell You" that offers some sobering caveats from convicted burglars.

Below are excerpts:

• Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

• Hey, 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.

• Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste … and taste means there are nice things inside.

• Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway.

• If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house.

• 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.

• A 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 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.

• I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters.

• Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer?

• Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.

• You’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.

• A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system.
I copied this from Clark Howard.... ClarkHoward.com Home: Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Rip-Offs on clarkhoward.com

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This goes with the making tracks if it snows & you're going to be away.
Have someone mow your lawn the rest of the year if you're going to be gone.
If you have plants in pots outside, don't remove them when you leave. Have someone water them.
Put lights on timers. Try to mimic your actual schedule with the lights. for example, if you go to bed at 10pm & turn on your light for 15 mins., make sure the timer reflects that.
Don't use ice cube trays in the freezer. They will look there also.
Judy

Don't let the hedges along your house get all big and overgrown. They can provide a place for thieves to hide or, if the thief is light/small enough, they can help provide access to the windows.

Don't bother hiding stuff in the freezer or toilet tank. EVERYONE knows that's where people hide their good stuff.

Even a small dog can be a good "guard dog" if it has a loud, persistent bark. No thief wants a dog loudly announcing their presence.

Don't keep large amounts of money in your home. That's what banks are for.

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Keep foundation plantings low and *scratchy* - plantings that have sharp edges or irratating effects if touched. (like anything with thorns or can cause nasty skin crud, like Gas Plant)

Auto lights that go on when there is movement near are good...they might piss off your neighbor when a cat goes by but better safe than sorry.

Know your neighbors! When we go out of town we let at least 2 of our neighbors know so they can *keep an eye out* for us. We have had newspaper delivery stopped yet still received papers which my neighbor picked up when she got hers. Otherwise, they would have piled up and we would have thought all was well. Also give them an emergency # to call you at if they need to.

Make sure your doors have good locks. We had a friend broken into and we didn't have to wonder why. They had cheesy push button locks and flimsy doors. Outside doors should be metal cored or thick wood (not hollow) with deadbolts. We added extra security (sort of) to our front door by putting a clear storm door on which also locks. Can they break it? Sure but it's one more deterrant.

Lock the door from your garage into your house. Too many people leave theirs unlocked so it's *easier* to get into the house when you come home. What if your car is stolen? Your address is on your registration and most likely, your garage door opener is in your car (or pre-programed in). You just gave access to the thief

DO NOT use the keychain alarm turn off for your keys. I do not understand these things at all. You can push a button so your alarm goes off and you don't have to enter a code. Gee, that's smart....let's put our car keys and house keys on the key chain that turns off your alarm. Get your purchase or keys stolen and viola.

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I forgot to mention that if you have an alarm, have window breaking alarms as well. Also, make sure you have a backup power source if power goes out or phone lines are cut/down. It cost us an extra $300 but I asked "what happens if the phone lines go down?" and I was told the alarm would not call the police and may not work at all. A lot of alarms require a land line (not just a call phone) so double check that too. We can get rid of our landline because of our alarm

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Speaking of keychain alarms, here's another one.
Take your keychain alarm to your bedroom and test it from inside to see if it activates the car alarm.
If it does you'll have a cheap alarm you can keep by your bedside or wherever you are in the house that works for your keychain alarm.

That's what I do I my extra car keys by the bed so I can push the "panic" button if something is wrong and I can't get to the phone or alarm pad

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We have a cell enabled alarm. No land lines needed. So there are no wires to be cut. Costs $10 more a month but worth it to me.

You guys have some great ideas! I have also heard of putting a large dog bowl out and a beware of dog sign even if you don't have one.

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Yes all good suggestions another is to keep your business affairs private. Nobody needs to know when you get money or what you buy don't leave big cardboard containers from your new electronics by the curb and don't advertise any good luck or winnings you might have.
And believe it or not people look at things like death notices and engagement announcements if you are attending a family event have the neighbors keep an eye on your house.

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I'm also careful about what I put on Facebook. I never say anything about when we're going to be out of town or going out to dinner, etc. I'll mention it when we return but not before or during.

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These are all great tips! I know for one that the seemingly escalating crime in the US is unsettling and scary. Burglars typically enter through doors and windows, many times they're unlocked! The following are some great links to sites that give home security tips. These are things like pruning bushes to expose windows so burglars have nowhere to hide.
http://www.denver.yourhub.com/Lakewo...ry~530736.aspx
My Secure and Beautiful Home: BurglarGARD Glass Protection Films Guard Glass Against Thieves and Vandals

Stay safe!

I like the car alarm idea