Home Safety Tips from a Burglar

We can read all over the Internet about safety tips and ways to protect your home from intruders.  Who better to tell you, though, than the ones who commit the crimes?  Richard T. Wright, author of the book Burglars on the Job, interviewed several convicted burglars to gain insight into what they look for in a potential “job” and to understand their mindsets and methodologies.  Some of what he found is included below from the perspective of a burglar.

Know Your Contractors

Many times I like to pose as a contractor, salesperson, neighborhood surveyor, etc.  I come up with any way I can to enter your home or assess the value of your home goods.  In fact, I may do work around your house, and conveniently leave a window unlocked to come visit later.  I may knock under the guise of a salesman and then force my way in when nobody answers.  I also like to watch and see how long it takes you to bring my flyer inside your home, just to observe your coming and going patterns.  I’m sneaky, and I’m often a great actor.

Be Smart with Your Alarms

I always get a chuckle out of the folks who spend the money on a home security investment and then never bother to turn it on.  I am thankful for those days when you’re in a hurry and don’t take the time to set your alarm or when your hands are full and you can’t lock your door.  You may be in a hurry and forgetful, but I’ve got all the time in the world.  I’ll wait for that one day when you’re not on your game, and then I’ll be at the top of mine.  Another bit of advice, be smart and don’t put your alarm system control pad where I can see it through a window or glass door inlay.  If I see it’s not turned on, it’s an open invitation for me to come on in!

Don’t Be So Obvious

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that when the newspapers start piling up, nobody’s home.  I keep an eye out for neglected lawns, un-shoveled driveways, flyers and mail not being taken inside, dark houses, and empty driveways or parking spaces.  If you plan to be gone for an extended period of time, make arrangements for neighbors to help make your house appear lived in, and set timers for lights and appliances.  With the world of technology now, too, it is so easy for me to tie your address to your social media accounts and know if you are updating statuses or pictures in order to know for certain that you are gone.  Wait until you are back home to upload all those vacation pictures and to tell the world all about it.

Make Some Noise

One thing I don’t like to do is draw attention to myself.  If your alarm system goes off, I will likely be off and running.  If you have a loud dog barking whenever I come near, I won’t attempt your house.  I don’t mind breaking a window to get in; but other than that, I avoid noise at all costs.  Having your car keys near you when you are home alone or sleeping is often a good idea, as well, because you can set off your alarm to draw attention that something is not right and that you need help.  I like to get my work done in peace and quiet, so the more ruckus that’s around me, the more likely I am to leave you alone.

If you would like information on how to protect your home or business from these burglars, please contact Watch Guard today.  We’ll help assess your current home safety, provide tips to protect your home further, and install an easy to use security system to ward off such criminals to keep you and your possessions safe!