Things a Burglar Won't Tell You

[Keith B]

Got this in email from a friend who is a retired State Trooper. Good advice and thought I would share.

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13 Things A Burglar Won't Tell You:

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. 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.

13. 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.)


8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:

1. 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.

2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

3. 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.

4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

5. 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.

6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.

7. 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.

8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

[PUCKER]

I saw this somewhere recently...and I think it's REALLY good advice. I have a VERY LOUD dog (178 lb. Great Dane) and I'm NOSY...hey, be a good neighbor, right?

One thing to add...your trash...what your throw away (boxes) says what you have...when it comes to high ticket items...I usually dump the box at our office dumpster.

[seamusTX]

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

This goes double for rapists.

- Ji m

[old farmer]

I have the Beware of Dog sign. My neighbors on each side has the big dogs.

[USA1]

I have the Beware of Dog sign.

How about a "Beware of Dogs Owner" sign ?

[marksiwel]

Huh, just last week some "Guy" was selling "Magazines" for "school", my wife opened the door, the guy saw my CHL Target on the wall, and quickly got the point.

[Keith B]

I have the Beware of Dog sign.

How about a "Beware of Dogs Owner" sign ?

Or, this one is better

[USA1]

The Winner !

[cougartex]

I am the Nosy neighbor for my street!!!!!!!!

[USA1]

I am the Nosy neighbor for my street!!!!!!!!

I am too.
But my neighbors know this and appreciate it because they know someone is keeping an eye on things.

[marksiwel]

And if you have a GPS system in your car, do not program in your home location as "Home" or anything similar - if your car is stolen, first thing they'll do is look in the GPS for that location.

And because most folks also have their garage-door opener in the car... figure out the rest from there.

Thats the best thing I've heard all day, going to do that now

[USA1]

And if you have a GPS system in your car, do not program in your home location as "Home" or anything similar - if your car is stolen, first thing they'll do is look in the GPS for that location.

And because most folks also have their garage-door opener in the car... figure out the rest from there.

Yes, I have my "home" programmed to lead them directly to the Sheriffs Dept.

Learned that little trick here on the forum.