The secrets of a home burglar — and eight tips to keep him away (floor, windows)

[round tuit]

"Locking your doors and windows are simple ways to reduce the odds that an intruder will invade your home. But even if your doors and windows are secure, thieves are checking out dozens of other signs that your home is an easy mark.

In 2009, home break-ins netted thieves about $1.5 billion in stolen goods. The bulk — valued at more than $1 billion — consisted of TVs, computers, video game systems and other electronic gadgets, according to the FBI. A break-in can steal your sense of security and can boost your homeowner's insurance premium.

Walter T. Shaw, 63, an ex-professional thief, says the economy has many desperate people turning to a life of crime.

“It used to be that pros were the big-time burglars,” Shaw says. “Now, people looking to put food on the table by selling flat-screen TVs and other electronic gadgets they stole are breaking into homes.”
The secrets of a home burglar — and eight tips to keep him away | InsuranceQuotes.com

[richb]

Won't ever forget that day I walked in on that burglar in my house. Yikes

[Hopes]

#8 is very bad advice. Too much light provides great places for for burglers to hide in the shaddows.

[round tuit]

Originally Posted by Hopes

#8 is very bad advice. Too much light provides great places for for burglers to hide in the shaddows.

...you may be right, but #4 suggests keeping shrubs trimmed back and if we're talking motion sensor lighting.....well they're there before the light comes on. The sudden lighting may deter them....sending them next door to the guy who doesn't believe in lighting.

[JohnBanson]

Good advice.

I'd add to it that having a yappy dog in the house is a determent. We also have motion-sensor lights on all sides of our house, and they're mounted on the second story where they're harder to get to.


You cannot keep burglars out of your house. If they want in, they'll find a way to get it. But what you CAN do is make your house less inviting to burglarize, and hope they go elsewhere.

[lifelongMOgal]

Originally Posted by round tuit

...you may be right, but #4 suggests keeping shrubs trimmed back and if we're talking motion sensor lighting.....well their there before the light comes on. The sudden lighting may deter them....sending them next door to the guy who doesn't believe in lighting.

I use a combination of motion detectors and day/night sensors. I'd add to that list, don't open your door to strangers, period. You can shout through the door to find out what they want or that you don't accept solicitors and to leave your property before you report them for tresspassing. No reason to literally give someone a "foot in the door" or a glimpse inside.

[richb]

Originally Posted by lifelongMOgal

I'd add to that list, don't open your door to strangers, period . No reason to literally give someone a "foot in the door" or a glimpse inside.

Actually that is a common burglar thing lately. Have someone come to the door as a salesman, utility worker or even as the "new" neighbor of that house that's for sale down the block. Distract the homeowner with small talk as their partner slips inside and grabs stuff from the other rooms. Happened to a older neighbor a few months ago, scary. Can be really dangerous if it goes bad (if the homeowner discovers it when its going down).

[round tuit]

Originally Posted by JohnBanson

I'd add to it that having a yappy dog in the house is a determent. We also have motion-sensor lights on all sides of our house, and they're mounted on the second story where they're harder to get to.

Great tip on the second story motion-sensor lighting! We have an electronic watchdog (Rex), who is also activated by motion.

[Hopes]

I wish someone would want to burgle my house! Not owning anything of value is an excellent deterrent.

[lifelongMOgal]

Originally Posted by richb

Actually that is a common burglar thing lately. Have someone come to the door as a salesman, utility worker or even as the "new" neighbor of that house that's for sale down the block. Distract the homeowner with small talk as their partner slips inside and grabs stuff from the other rooms. Happened to a older neighbor a few months ago, scary. Can be really dangerous if it goes bad (if the homeowner discovers it when its going down).

The other thing is that predators are combing neighborhoods to find out who is home during the day. It is likely safer to answer through the door and let them know you are home than to not answer at all. Just answering may be the deterent for them to move along.

This article doesn't mention it but I'm also a firm believer in having storm doors that lock as well as secondary window locks at least on the first floor that only allow the window to be opened a few inches. That is that much more time/effort and noise required to break in.

Originally Posted by Hopes

I wish someone would want to burgle my house! Not owning anything of value is an excellent deterrent.

Which brings me to another point: don't set out cardboard boxes for computers, stereos, or TVs at the curb for recycling. You are just advertising the invitation for a break-in. When I walk my dog tommorow night after everyone has put out their trash I'll be able to tell from the boxes in the recycling bin what my neighbors got for Christmas!