5 Things Burglars Don't Want You to Know

No one wants to be the victim of a burglary. By knowing more about how they go about choosing a target and what they're looking for, you can decrease your chances of becoming a victim.

The following are five things a burglar doesn't want you to know:

1. They May Look Familiar
   Burglars often live within two miles of their victims, so you may actually recognize their faces. People who live close to you can easily take note of your routines, such as when you leave for and return from work.
   
   ​​​​​​​You may also recognize a burglar from a recent encounter at your home. Home improvement service or delivery people can leave a window unlocked so they can return later to burglarize your home.
   
   Tip: Check your window locks frequently and look for easy ways to vary your routine.
2. They Know Your Hiding Places
   Many people hide valuables in dresser drawers and bedside tables. Burglars are aware of this, so these can be among the first places they look. And those somewhat realistic-looking rocks that you can stash an extra set of keys outside? They know to scan for those as well.
   
   Tip: Find different hiding places for your valuables and give an extra set of keys to a trusted neighbor instead of hiding them in a "rock."
3. They love looking on social media
   Burglars are known to check out social media for clues that you're away from home. If you post a photo, a thief may be able to its embedded GPS data to see that you're an hour away, enjoying a nice evening out. Your impressive vacation photos are also a gold mine for burglars. They tell a crook where you are, and in many cases, you also post about when you'll be home.
   
   Tip: Set your account to private, and don't post about times when you're away from home and when you'll return.
4. They don't like security systems and practices A security system sign will often make a burglar move onto the next house. If you've already installed a system, keep your keypad clean of grime that may indicate which numbers are repeatedly pushed. Even low-tech deterrents like locked windows and doors and motion sensor or timed lights can make a burglar decide your home isn't worth the time and risk.
   
   Tip: Be diligent about locking up and invest in some home improvement lighting. You may also want to consider a home security system, whether it's a DIY version or one through a company.
5. They look for signs of valuables
   If a burglar is scoping out your home for a possible burglary, leaving an expensive phone or tablet near a first-floor window with open blinds or draperies may make you a target. The same is true of an expensive car in a garage that has a window with a clear line of sight to the street. Even your garbage can give burglars clues to big purchases. A large flat-screen TV box that's left out beside your trash lets them know what they can find inside your home.
   
   Tip: Keep valuables away from windows and use your window coverings. And take large boxes for expensive items to the recycling center yourself rather than leaving them out with the regular garbage.

The previous home improvement tips can't guarantee that you'll never be burglarized, but they can help you make sure you're not inadvertently creating a target. Burglars want to get in and out as quickly as possible without getting caught, so by taking some reasonably small measures, you may be able to deter them.

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