Don't wait for this to hapen to you. Be careful now so you are not a victim. Below is a ist of 20 things that a burglar will not say to you...
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Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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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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.) If you don't answer, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.
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Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
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Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.
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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.
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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.)
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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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The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
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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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I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
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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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Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook/MySpace/Blog pages. It's easier than you think to look up your address.
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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.
Take safety steps now, not aftwards.
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Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant
The views expressed on this site are mine alone and do not reflect the views of my employer.






John~ great blog and somethings we all do without ever thinking of it.
Oh dear! The days we are living in warrants us to walk soberly, circumspectly, as wise! Days of keeps doors unlocked is .... OVA!
John - I think I'm going to hide all my valuables in my kids rooms.
Hi John ~ Loads of valuable tips here. I live the radio on for the cat so I'm all set with #13 at least.
Liz
John, That is great information to pass along to avoid the theft of your valuables. I lock my car everytime I get out of it at home and also I lock the front door when I get inside...you just never know what thieves have in mind or when they will show up!
Valuable list John put in a very creative manner. Open houses are also something people need to be cautious of when selling and make sure things of value are not in sight.
That is an excellent set of tips!
thanks for sharing
your friend in Charlottesville Virginia!
I do alot of these things and have taken things for granted. I will buck up!
So, If you don't want to go into the kids' rooms, maybe I'll secure my valuables in a safe in their closet instead of mine!!! Thanks for the helpful tip on that one!!
Dawn - Its important stuff. We just have to be very careful because you never know.
Diane - I do remember when my grandmother use to always leave her door open. Anyone coming over would know just to walk on in.
Michelle - Its odd that it would be the safest, but thats what it appears to be. Keeps the kids and valuables safe.
Liz - We are the same way. The TV is usually on for the dog. I'm sure she doesnt watch it, but who knows... maybe she gets up on the couch and watches the Disney Channel.
Wanda - We are the same way. Our front door is always locked, which is actually for two reasons. One is, I dont want people just walking in. The second reason is because it its too windy and the door isnt all the way closed, it will blow open. So, locking the door takes care of two things for us.
Karen - Good point about Open Houses. I did a post about Open House safety about a year ago. Whether the house is filled with furniture or empty, you can never be too safe.
Thanks Charles
Loreena - Its a friendly reminder for those that do these things already. :-)
Donna - It cant hurt. How many burglars are looking in kids rooms for valuable items. They would typically end up with a ton of Legos and Hot Wheels.
Thanks John,
This is excellent information worthy of a reblog.
Have a great day
Leander
Thank you Leander.
Excellent tips John! Here in Sacramento, I know of those who have had issues with certain carpet cleaners, and tree trimmers!
Myrl - You just never know who to trust. Better to be overly cautious.
VERY good post, John. I think people reveal too much about themselves and their lives on Facebook and other sites. They don't realize how vulnerable this makes them.
So true Shirley.