Burglars are sneaky and they don’t always own up to their home scoping secrets. Understanding a burglars perspective can help keep you safe and protect your valuables from getting stolen. Here are 21 things ‘your burglar’ won’t tell you.

Burglars are Built for Disguise

Are you concerned about home security while someone is knocking at your door? Maybe it’s best to answer. Knocking at the door may seem too obvious, but an experienced burglar will dress the part.

  1. If you don’t answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.
  2. 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.)
  3. 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.

Be Cautious of Who Enters Your Home

As creepy as it sounds, a burglar may choose your home because they’ve already been inside. They could’ve been cleaning your carpets, landscaping your yard, or painting your home. Maybe they saw something inside your home they wanted to steal. It’s possible they made it easier to gain access in the future. Regardless, here’s what burglars have to say:

  1. Of course, I look familiar. I was here just last week 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.

Watch for Window Shoppers

Maybe a burglar hasn’t physically been inside your home, but they still have an idea of what goodies you may have. Window shopping is a thiefs’ favorite but lawn shopping works too. Keeping valuable items in your front yard or visible through a window is like a siren call for thieves. Here’s what burglars said about scoping out valuables:

  1. That fancy car parked in your driveway is very expensive. I wonder what expensive things you might have inside?
  2. I love looking in your windows. Not only am I looking for signs that you’re home, but also for what luxuries you own. I’m looking for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I’d like. I’ll even drive or walk through a neighborhood at night, before people close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
  3. 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.

Stay Off The Hook by Making Your Home Look Occupied

Even if you keep your valuables hidden, it’s just as important to show signs of occupancy at all times. If a burglar sees that your mailbox has been overflowing for a week or that your trash can has been sitting on the curb for a few too many days, your home is in danger of a break-in. 

  1. One burglar even said: Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It’s easier than you think to look up your address.
  2. Yes, I 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.
  3. 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.
  4. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If I see the glow of a TV screen I’ll keep moving.
  5. The two things I hate most are loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

Thieves Can Pin Point Simple Security Vulnerabilities

Even if your home looks occupied, it’s easy to skip out on some very simple security measures. Whether it’s the way you’ve installed your safe, failure to use a security system, or leaving the door unlocked, even burglars advise you to follow certain precautions.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
  4. Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.
  5. 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.
  6. I’m not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

Burglars and Not Bound by Fear

And let’s not forget that thieves are determined. They’ll take any opportunity they can find and clearly aren’t afraid of the risks.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

An Inside Look Can Keep You Safe

Staying aware of these burglar confessions can help keep you safe. We also have a few additional tips for keeping your home secure from thieves.

  1. Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button on your car key to sound the alarm.

If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, the burglar won’t stick around. After a few seconds, all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and what’s going on.

And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The car alarm will work the same way there – just press the panic button. It’s one small device that can make a lot of noise to keep you safe.

  1. Purchase a FakeTV Burglar Deterrent. As one burglar admitted, the glow of a TV is enough to send them away. If you don’t want to leave your TV on while you’re not home, this light is a great alternative. It simulates the flashing colors of a TV
  2. Purchase a Fake Security Camera. A thief will be quickly deterred by a camera in their face. Even if you have security services, planting a fake security camera outside your doors is an inexpensive addition to keep you and your belongings safe.

With new insight into a burglar’s mindset and some additional security tips, you can be sure that your home is secure. However, If you want to fully assess the security of your home, we offer a free home security checklist. Your local Pop-A-Lock is here to help with all your safety and residential locksmithing needs.