12 Things a Burglar Would Never Tell You
[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”15855″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][vc_column_text]Every year, there are almost 2 millions break-ins and the average burglar can be in and out of a home within 15 to 20 minutes. While many of us believe we’re doing what we can to protect our home, there are things you do (and don’t do) every day that can encourage burglars to target your house.
To help you identify what you can do to help protect your home, we’ve created a list of the top 12 things a burglar would never tell you and corresponding tips to address each:
1. “Yeah, I know my way around your house because I was just here working last week. I even unlocked a window to let myself back in later.”
Unfortunately, some houses are targeted because someone who works as a contractor ended up having questionable motives. If someone is going to work in or on your property, it’s really important to do a background check on the company to ensure that you’re hiring a reputable company that employs reputable people. Asks friends and family for referrals.
On the other hand, you can avoid a burglary by having a smart home security system that you can control from your phone. Any sound of an alarm or an armed security system will deter burglars, and a smart home security system will sense movement in any part of your house.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″]
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[vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][vc_column_text]2. “I always knock first. If you’re home, I’ll offer to clean your carpets.”
Burglars will do what they can to scope out a house that’s of interest or learn the lay of the land for a later attack. If you’re home and a burglar knocked, they might look like a service tech or someone who is going door to door to clean carpets. Be very wary of these individuals and don’t let them inside.
If they knock and you aren’t home, they might see it as an opportunity to do some window shopping or worse.
3. “Your social media accounts told me you weren’t home. I know how to use the Internet.”
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: never ever post to social media channels that you’re leaving to go on vacation or that you’re on vacation. It is an open invitation for burglars to come raid your house.
Another great tip is to turn off your location tracking while you’re away so that any social media posts you make won’t automatically be flagged with your location.
4. “I may carry a clipboard or a rake; anything to look like a service guy and not a burglar.”
Burglars are deceptive, and they’ll do anything to “fit in.” Always be wary of someone you don’t recognize in the neighborhood or someone who comes to the house. Let your neighbors know if you see someone lurking around as well.
5. “I notice when your newspapers or mail pile up.”
The first sign that someone has not been home for a while is when newspapers or mail are overflowing. It’s another open invitation for burglars.
We recommend placing a hold on your mail and newspapers until you get back or will be at the house consistently. You can easily place the hold here.
6. “Sometimes, I can see if your alarm system is on from the window. You better hope it is.”
Always keep your security system armed when you aren’t home. If it’s turned off and a burglar can see that, there’s no reason why they won’t come in and go through your belongings.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][vc_single_image image=”15539″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][vc_column_text]7. “I like lights in your house when you’re gone. It makes it easy for me to see what to take.”
While some think that leaving the lights on in your house can make it seem like you’re home, It can actually be a way for burglars canvassing neighborhoods to see what’s in your house. Turn off the lights and keep your security system armed.
With a smart security system, you’re able to control the lights in your house from your phone. Consider investing in a smart home security system for this versatility.
8. “Your neighbors probably don’t know if I’m supposed to be at your house or not. I could look like a plumber. Don’t count on them to call you. Would you call them?”
Some people have a great relationship with their neighbors while others do not. Either way, it’s important to let your neighbors know if you’re going to be gone. Let them know if you’ve entrusted someone to help and that you’ll be expecting them, or that you aren’t expecting anyone. Simply notifying them could prevent your house from being burglarized in the middle of the night or day!
9. “You’re right about that safe; I don’t have time to crack it. But I will take it with me if I can.”
Burglars are resourceful, and they’ll enlist help to move heavy objects when they need it. It’s worse news for you if they do because they’ll have more help to move more of your possessions.
Think about installing a wall safe or something more permanent that can’t be moved. Make it as difficult as possible for burglars to steal your possessions.
10. “I hate dogs. I avoid dogs. That doesn’t mean I won’t hurt one if it gets in my way. I’m a criminal, remember?”
The loyalty of a good watch dog is second to none. Having a dog — no matter how small or large — is a big deterrent for burglars, especially if they bark when they see people they don’t know or see something unusual.
But burglars won’t hesitate in hurting animals if they really want to get into your house. The best way to prevent your animals from getting hurt is to have a security system that sounds an alarm when there is movement
11. “I’m always open for business. Day and night. It just depends on when you’re most vulnerable.”
There’s a common misconception that burglaries only happen at night; this is simply not true! Burglars will strike whenever you’re likely not to be home, which might be in the morning or at night, depending on your schedule. Burglars will also canvas houses to find out when you are home and when you aren’t.
Whenever you’re going to be away from your home, there are things you can do to protect it. Here’s a great checklist to help you protect what matters most.
12. “My favorite items are small valuables like jewelry, handguns and prescriptions. I will get some friends to help me if you have larger things I want, though. Every job is different, and all of them are planned. I prefer the easy ones.”
Even if you have big ticket items like a TV, burglars will take what’s easy and inconspicuous. The most common being cash and jewelry. Always keep small valuables protected in a safe or other protected environment to ensure their safety.
Want to know the top 5 things burglars target in your home? Here are the top 5 targeted items in your home.
Without a proper home security system, your home is vulnerable to a burglar’s attack. Use these tips combined with a robust home security system to protect your home and loved ones.
Want to learn how best to protect your home in Indiana? Founded in 1992, ASI Security Solutions’ mission is to keep you safe, educated and up to date. Request a free home security consultation with us today so we can help you design and install a home security system that fits exactly your needs.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][button target=”_blank” hover_type=”default” link=”https://asisecurity.solutions/quote/” color=”#ffffff” hover_color=”#ffffff” background_color=”#2984b1″ hover_background_color=”#a8c760″ border_color=”#2984b1″ hover_border_color=”#a8c760″ text=”Get a Free Quote”][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][/vc_column][/vc_row]