21 Things a Burglar Won’t Tell You

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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. (Check out these 13 inexpensive ways to theft-proof your home)

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Don’t Let Me Use Your Bathroom

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.

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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 burgarlies–and it’s not at night.

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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. So if you’re going away for a while, then you need to use these fool proof methods to trick burglars into thinking you’re at home.

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Create Tracks in the Snow

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. Here’s another way to install a reliable security system in just one day. DIY home security systems will help to protect your home and your family.

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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.

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We Target Certain Windows

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 not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too. While you’re at it, you should memorize these tricks to outsmart criminals, too.

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We Aren’t Scared of a Little Rain

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.

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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.)

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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. Word of advice: Find better hiding places for your valuables.

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We don’t Want to Deal with All of Your Kids Toys

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

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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. You might think your hiding spot is safe, but burglars know your tricks. Learn the 10 hiding spots burglars always look first.

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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.

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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Always Set Your Alarm

Your alarm only works if it’s on. I’m not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it? (Your phone is an easy gateway for criminals to access your personal information, too. Here’s how to keep your phone and private information safe.)

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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.

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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.

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Close Your Windows When You’re Not Home

Lock your windows. 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.

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Remember to Lock Your Door

If you don’t answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in. (Speaking of crime and disaster, you won’t believe how unlucky these homeowners were.)

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.