When you think of protecting your home, you probably think of a few simple things like locking your doors when you leave for the day, and making sure that you arm your security system at night. But, there are some things that burglars really, really don't want you to ever figure out.
You could be leaving hints about where your valuables are, when you're away from your home, and how to get into your home without even realizing it. Just by taking a few extra precautions, you could keep your family all that much safer.
No one should have to go through a home break-in. What if the kids are home with the babysitter when it happens? What if the only piece of jewelry you have from your mother is taken in the heist?
Scroll through below to see what burglars want you to do. As I always like to say, it's so much better to be safe rather than sorry. A few extra precautions never hurt anybody!
Please remember to SHARE this valuable information and let us know if we missed any tips in the comments below.
[H/T: Huffington Post]
Thumbnail source: Flickr / GrahamAndDairne, Flickr / Thirteen Of Clubs
1. Let them inside
You may be the kind to trust everyone, but sometimes the folks coming to your home for deliveries or repairs moonlight as robbers after scoping out your home. This is not the case most times, but it's best to go with people you know.
2. Allow access to the bathroom
If a service worker you don't know asks to use your bathroom, you may need to learn to say no, as they could be planning to unlock your window as to get in later.
3. Only lock the front door
Your back door, second story windows, and window above the kitchen sink are all viable openings into your home. Protect them, too.
4. Leave your alarm system in plain sight
When installing all of these alarms, make sure the keypad or control box in't visible from the outside, lest future burglars see when you've forgotten to enable it.
5. Answer the door for strangers
When a stranger knocks asking for directions, they could be testing your vulnerability or scoping out your home. It's not a crime to ignore your doorbell.
6. Use a front porch flowerpot
Burglars of all I.Q. levels will know to look under doormats, flowerpots, garden pebbles, and other tchotchkes for a house key. Leave your spare with a trusted neighbor or friend.
7. Leave out your kids' toys
That shiny new bike you saved up to buy for Emily's birthday could lure burglars to your house, because it indicates more shiny things inside. Same goes for lawn ornaments.
8. Reveal your new purchases
Get a fancy new sound system? Make sure the packaging isn't proudly displayed on the curb. Sure, Ed next door might need to know how awesome your TV is, but burglars certainly don't.
9. Brag about vacation
Don't let everyone on social media know that you're taking an extravagant tropical vacation for three very long weeks. You don't know who's looking, so just post some #tbt photos when you're back home instead.
10. Open the shades
It may be a beautiful twilight, but when it starts to get dark outside and all your lights are on, burglars can scope out your most valuable items.
11. Leave out your ladders and tools
Even if you're going to be back out in the yard early in the a.m., put your tools away. You wouldn't want a burglar to break in using your own equipment, would you?
I never would have thought of some of these tips. I might need to practice saying no to seemingly harmless folks, but if it means keeping my house safe, it's totally worth it. Please SHARE with your family, friends, and neighbors and let us know of any other tips in the comments.
