21 Things a Burglar Won’t Tell You
Updated: Dec. 02, 2022
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
Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator. Here are 22 signs your house is vulnerable to being robbed.
Your yard gives us a lot of clues
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 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 time
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. This is the state where you’re most likely to get robbed.
Glass doors are our best friends
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. Here are 13 signs your house is being watched.
We try to come off as polite
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.) Here are some secrets a home security installer won’t tell you.
We know you hide things in your drawers
Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
We don’t want to deal with all of your kid toys
Here’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 safe
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. Here are 7 sneaky ways burglars can break into your house.
We don’t like TVs
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 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 burglar
Sometimes, 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 dog
The 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 window
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 just go back to what he was doing. It’s human nature. Find out the difference between burglary and robbery.
Close your blinds
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. 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 media
Avoid 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.
