Forbes notes that Americans spend a whopping $20 billion per year on security to protect their houses from property crimes such as burglary, breaking, and home invasion. Still, many wise culprits end up successfully stealing what's not theirs.
And while most of us feel that we are on top of home security, some means won't cut the pesky bad guys out. Luckily, former burglars reveal the secret to stopping these crimes from happening and some of us may be surprised by how simple these tips are!
Vacation Only To Get Robbed
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees who have been serving for less than ten years are entitled to between ten and 14 days of paid vacation per year. As such, Americans save up and prepare in advance before the big day comes.
And while they are itching to get out of the office and on to scenic places, it is worth noting that this can also be a time when burglars lurk around. The best trick is to not update social media followers while away from home.
Keep Valuable Items In Unsuspecting Spots
Burglars will no doubt go first to vaults, cabinets, and safes because it is the most logical thing to do. Anyone in their right mind would know that these spots are where valuables are kept, but don't these things only make the hiding spaces more obvious?
This person thought of a better way to hide valuables from a burglar's plain sight: underneath a mountain of clothes. Of course, no one would suspect a thing but the longer a laundry sits unwashed, the more it becomes a breeding ground for germs.
Just Don't Overshare
How many times did our parents tell us never to talk to strangers? We feel that this was just a lesson that should have been inculcated in our minds since we were young, but this tip proves that some people can be too comfortable with people they don't know.
While agents are tasked with knocking on a lot of doors, experts warn us to be always on our guard when letting people inside the house. Hence, it is crucial to verify their identity first by asking for their company ID or calling the company.
No Dog But Still, Beware!
While all dogs are great companions for life, others are more equipped in guarding not just the master but the property as well. According to the American Kennel Club, this type of canine is loyal, watchful, and courageous enough to bark at a stranger.
However, not all people are responsible enough to have a pet dog. Nonetheless, having a "Beware" sign will tell a burglar that stealing from this house is not going to be a walk in the park because of the canine.
Fool Them Once Shame On Them…
The tradition of leaving the key under the mat may sound ridiculous but a lot of people still do it. A 2011 Ask Jeeves survey found that one percent practice this habit for their relatives, family, and servicemen who will need access to the house.
And while a lot of people have become smart enough not to do this, desperate burglars will certainly take a look in that spot. Fool them by gluing a spare key that doesn't open anything and let them try it on the door.
Free Cars For Everyone!
How many times have you forgotten your car keys inside the house? Perhaps this is why most homeowners love hanging their keys beside the door because this way, it’s become impossible to leave them behind.
According to MoneyGeek, nearly 2,400 vehicles are stolen every day, which amounts to an estimated 873,000 cars a year! This is why it pays to be smart and think ahead of the bad guys, and this simple trick can help save thousands of dollars!
Cars Are Not Houses
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, car theft occurs every 6.5 minutes in cases where the driver left the keys inside the vehicle. This is actually unsurprising, considering most of us have become forgetful although not many of us want to admit this.
More disturbingly, many drivers leave their cars unlocked, which becomes an easy target for thieves. As such, the NICB urges owners to set the alarm and, as much as possible, park the vehicle inside the garage.
Don't Be Predictable
According to Scotsman, one in five homes become vulnerable to burglary only because owners still follow the tradition of leaving their keys under the mat, plant pot, or on top of the door frame. While this allows others access to the house, it is not worth risking.
A Yale survey found that the majority of the respondents didn't feel that their abodes were safe if they left the keys near the door. So there is no reason to do this; and the best solution may be to install security doorbell cameras.
Unlocked Windows = Better Opportunity
Just like unlocked doors, windows are great opportunities for thieves to break in. Take it from this ex-burglar, who went inside schools without a hard time. Needless to say, owners should make sure to lock their windows before leaving or change the mechanism of the locks.
Reader's Digest notes that 23 percent of burglaries happen because thieves enter first-floor windows. It added that bad guys need not be experts in breaking in because homeowners give them the opportunity to commit the crime.
Don't Leave Valuables In The Car
It is a common misconception that crows steal things that shine but Animal Fate clarified that the birds don't actually like them. On the other hand, thieves become attracted to expensive stuff, so as a precaution, don't let other people see precious belongings.
Especially if the vehicle is not tinted, thieves can easily spot precious items like laptops, cell phones, or jewelry. With this post, we can already tell that we have to be wary of people of all ages and from different walks of life.
Keep The Sparkly Stuff Hidden
In January 2022, "Full House" actress Lori Loughlin became a victim of a burglary, where she lost $1 million in jewelry. The bad guys targeted her Los Angeles home, and it is safe to say that they probably headed to her closet where she probably stored her valuables.
It is logical to keep accessories and jewelry in the closet because it will be easier to find the things that could match an outfit. However, for assurance, it may be wise to store them away from this nook.
Garage Stuff Are Not For Free
Don't be complacent even if you live in a friendly neighborhood. An open garage, either for accessibility purposes or due to forgetfulness, presents a great chance for thieves to enter and basically get all the things they can.
On top of keeping the garage locked, SafeWise advises adding bright lights with motion detectors to keep the burglars aware that the owners are not playing when it comes to home security. An open overhead garage door is also a very tempting invitation so keep it closed all the time.
Trick The Thieves With Faux Jewelry
Again, safes are very hot in the eyes of burglars so much so that some of them leave everything behind just to take one home. CSP Alarms notes that these steel boxes are so heavy that it may require around two or more people to carry one.
Forging a fingerprint is not a doable task so most thieves steal the entire thing. One trick is to keep fancy faux accessories inside the safe so that burglars would find themselves being laughed at when they try to sell the pieces!
Going Smart Is The Way To Go
We live in the digital age where it is easier to have access to high-tech gadgets that could help us avoid break-ins. Instead of taking chances, invest in smart lighting systems that can be manipulated through a smartphone or laptop.
According to Philips Hue US, these LED bulbs have software that can be connected to an app or a smart home assistant. So during vacations, leave lights open at different times to give off the illusion that somebody is home.
Keep TVs Mounted
Mounting televisions have a lot of advantages. The Home Theater DIY said that the reason this has gained popularity these days is that it keeps a place tidy, organized, and spacious, which is perfect in narrow rooms.
They are also more affordable, but more importantly, it is harder to remove. Thieves would have to find a screwdriver to remove the TV from the mount or else they would have to jack the appliance out, which could destroy the device.
Mean Machines
Losing a loved one is a tough pill to swallow. Help Guide notes that the death of a close person means going through grief and mourning, but, unfortunately, advantage-takers still see this as a time to do bad things.
Even during funerals, burglars still take this time to break into houses because most people are out of their houses. During this time of vulnerability, no one would think about their belongings but to lessen the heartbreak, ask a trusted friend to stay around.
Burglars Don't Have All Day
The Federal Bureau of Investigation explains that on average, burglars only take eight to ten minutes to ransack a place for anything valuable. Sometimes, they only do their jobs in 90 seconds, which means they don't have all day to scour the place!
In hindsight, this is also advantageous on a homeowner's side because owners would only need to hide their precious properties in places that may require a long time to find. The trick is to find a spot that is inconspicuous.
A Somewhat Kind Burglar?
Thieves have become so creative in their tactics that we may never know when we are going to get robbed. However, this tip showed us that they can become generous in going to great lengths to steal pricey things.
Well, thinking about barbecue makes us feel hungry! It is believed that it was in 1733 when the word "barbecue" was first mentioned in the United States. A certain Benjamin Lynde of Salem wrote about his "fair and hot" meal in his diary.
Who Needs Lock Boxes?
Lock boxes are tiny boxes attached near door knobs or the outside wall used to store keys in houses or Airbnb accommodations. The contraption requires the correct code to open, and most often, the host provides the password to the guests.
However, this former burglar claimed that these things are easily opened. So plan accordingly; it is better safe than sorry. Have the keys duplicated and distributed to other members of the family instead of leaving one outside the house.
Not Everyone Wants Jewelry
Not everyone can cope with the skyrocketing prices of medicine. Reuters reported that at least 350 manufacturers planned to increase the prices of their products in 2023, which, of course, would affect consumers the most.
As such, we can't blame this burglar for going after the medicine cabinet. But again, we will remind the person to resort to other money-making means instead of this habit. Nonetheless, the thief may have also been giving them away to the poor, who knows?
Kids Should Never Have Easy Access To The Door
There are many tricks that can lead a child to open a door to strangers. Abduction prevention officer Bob Stuber told ABC that one of the most common reasons kids do this is because they don't want to disobey adults, even if they don't know anything about these strangers.
On top of theft, parents should also be wary of kidnapping incidents. This post goes to show that many moms and dads may be busy enough to let their children answer the door without realizing the dangers of the little ones talking to strangers.
'Ride By And Snatch'
In 2012, an elderly woman became the victim of a burglary in broad daylight in Houston when her purse was snatched from the front seat of her car as she was trying to unload her cart of grocery bags.
However, the modus "ride by and snatch" involves thieves snatching purses on grocery carts as women unload their items. In this case, the bad guys take advantage of the situation and in this case, it would be difficult for them to chase after the robbers.
Going To School Is Expensive
According to Nerd Wallet, 45 million Americans have outstanding student loans, and if that's hard to imagine, just think of it this way: one in five still faces this problem. As such, more people try to get creative in making money.
Unfortunately, this college student faced another issue when their books were stolen from his car. More surprisingly, this crime is common–well who would steal reading materials? But then again, they cost an arm and a leg so this was a desperate move.
Outlets As Safes
Roman Electric Home strongly advises not to put a pencil, pen, or finger inside an outlet hole or else you may be shocked. However, fake outlets are a different case because these are made to fool others.
This interesting invention can also be useful to hide away expensive and valuable things such as jewelry. Fake outlets make for great compartments because no one would suspect a thing! But be careful when there are kids around because they may get into an accident.
Humble Bragging? Think Again.
Working hard for the finer things in life is something to be proud of. Some may feel that humblebragging is acceptable but there are reasons not to do it on social media. New, expensive purchases shared on social media can be an open invitation to thieves.
At this point, seeing a new pair of Nike Dunks may give them a clear target on what to steal. Plus, humblebragging has been found to sabotage a person's career, according to a 2018 Harvard study.
Bottom Drawers Are The Least Safe
Nightstands have become our go-to storage space at night or whenever we are in the room. Watches, jewelry, and even gadgets are often kept protected in the drawers, but this is common knowledge that even a burglar understands, so naturally, they would go immediately to the space upon break-in.
Interestingly, this is not its initial function. According to Laurel Crown, nightstands were used to contain the chamber pot because no one would dare walk in the dark night to answer the call of nature.
Friends For Keeps
There are many reasons having friends is worth it. Mayo Clinic underlines that this connection can prevent isolation and foster companionship. This also helps us feel a sense of belongingness and reduces our stress levels.
Plus, they also can aid in keeping our homes burglary-safe. As the police officer advised, it pays to have dear friends try and search for something valuable because if it is easy for them to find it, thieves would likely do the same in a jiffy.
Glass Breaking Not Easily Done
Needless to say, locking doors and windows becomes the first line of defense against robbers. However, the bad guys have become so brazen that they wouldn't think twice about breaking glass windows and doors.
As such, it is important to invest in quality glasses for the house. According to GlassShape, tempered glass is one of the most commonly used types because of its durability. It is often seen in buildings since it is four times stronger than the regular one.
The Basement Is No Room For Valuables
Hypothetically, if we were to rob a house, we would go to the bedroom first because it is only logical to think that this is where the most precious items are kept. As such, this tip about storing them in the basement makes sense because this spot is unsuspecting!
Dupage Security Solutions also suggest keeping the safe in this part of the house. However, to fool the burglars, storing pieces of jewelry or gadgets underneath a pile of papers may do the trick.
Cameras Are Lifesavers!
Although we think that closed-circuit TV cameras are a thing of the modern age, they were actually invented in Germany in 1942. They were initially used during wartime to check how the monitor V-2 rockets were doing.
These days, they are widely available for commercial and residential use mainly as a security system. Indeed, these devices have become heaven-sent because they are enough to deter burglars who are targeting a property. Even if they aren't operational, the mere sight of these things is enough to keep the bad guys at bay.
Freezer And Books Don't Make Money Safe
While banks and safes are the most obvious places to keep cash, many Americans tend to be unconventional. According to a 2015 CNBC report, a survey notes that a significant number of respondents preferred to stash their money inside the mattress or freezer for financial emergencies.
However, robbers do know about this, too, so it is not a good idea to do this. This underlines how it may be best to hide cash in a bank rather than the house.
Sliding Doors Will Not Keep The House Protected
Glass windows and doors instantly make a house appear brighter because it lets natural light come in. While this feature saves money, it does become a welcome sign for burglars because they can practically see anything inside the house.
Steel Advantage also notes that most sliding doors have locks that are easy to pick. Unfortunately, the latches are good as unlocked and this post proves that robbers wouldn't have a hard time dealing with this supposed protective feature because they can open it easily by just shaking.
Scare Them Away With Security Signs
Again, most burglars tend to think twice about robbing a house that has signs that it is well protected. Seeing security measures and devices in place, therefore, would deter thieves from lurking around.
A KTVB survey on inmates who previously robbed houses claimed they would go to the next house if they spot an alarm system. Others said these devices unfazed them and would continue with the burglary. Nonetheless, if the alarm went off, they would try to turn it off or run away.
Curtains To Hide Away The Gems
Not everyone can afford to have their dream houses built. According to Ramsey Solutions, building a structure is still more expensive than buying one. It noted that the average cost of construction was $485K as compared to a purchase of $310K in 2019.
As such, not all of us have a choice when it comes to sliding doors because some are just equipped with them upon purchase. The solution? Add curtains or blinds to avoid people from seeing the interiors and other valuables.
New House, New Locks
Homeowners should be wary of their newly purchased houses because there may be hidden disadvantages, including cracks hidden by paintings or secret compartments that are filled with garbage.
One of the most important things to do after purchasing a house is to change the locks because no one really knows who has access to the old keys. Maybe the previous owners have given duplicates to their friends or neighbors so for security purposes, change them as soon as the move-in starts.
Watch TV Even If No One Is Home
Going for a grocery run? Never leave a house unmanned but if there will be no one to guard the property, fool burglars into thinking that there is someone inside by turning on the TV and hitting the volume up.
One of the most important things to do after purchasing a house is to change the locks because no one really knows who has access to the old locks. Maybe the previous owners have given duplicates to their friends so for security purposes, change them as soon as the move-in starts.
Kids Mean Somebody Is Always Home
Toys scattered on the front lawn mean that there is/are kid/kids of young age inside the house. This also gives the bad guys an idea that either or both parents are at home to care for their little ones.
According to Very Well Family, there are tons of reasons moms and dads opt to stay at home with their kids, primarily because of financial reasons as childcare has become expensive. Especially for those living paycheck to paycheck, hiring a nanny is out of budget.
Dogs Aren't Always Reliable
They say small dogs have big personalities while huge ones tend to be nice kinds. And while gigantic canines seem intimidating, burglars know well that these are mostly trained and wouldn't jump on a human being.
On the other hand, small dogs are quite the chatter, so much so that they don't stay quiet at the sight of a stranger. According to "Being A Dog" author Alexandra Horowitz, one theory is that they need to compensate for their size so they bark more than big canines.
The Higher The Fence, The Better
Many security companies will argue that high fences and high bushes help stop burglaries from happening because it would take a lot of effort to climb over. Jim's Fencing explains that thorny vines will help deter the bad guys because not all of them will risk getting cuts.
However, an enclosed backyard, if accessed, also presents a chance of being unseen. Neighbors wouldn't have a clue that somebody was already stealing from the house next door, and it would be difficult to know who is in that abode if they did hear some noise.
Burglary Hours
Movies and shows told us that burglary happens at night, when everyone is fast asleep and it seems easy to break into houses without anyone noticing. But this couldn't be further from the truth because according to SafeWise, this usually happens between noon and 4 pm.
It is also logical because the children are still at school and moms are running errands around this time. As such, try to stay home during these hours and accomplish to-do tasks in the afternoon.
Ask A Favor From A Neighbor
Don't stop subscriptions when going away for a few weeks or more. At the same time, a full mailbox that doesn't seem to be touched is also a welcome sign for burglars. Ask a neighbor to get the mail every night so that passersby will get the idea that there are people at home.
According to The Postal Museum, before the arrival of the letter boxes, people needed to go to the early post office to send their snail mail or wait for the bellman to come and fetch the letter.
Cash On A Ketchup Bottle
According to Forbes, an estimated $737 billion in properties are stolen in 2021 alone in the United States. It was most prevalent in New Mexico with over 640 cases in every 100,000 residents.
The amount is tear-jerking, but this can be prevented with creative ways like hiding cash inside condiment bottles. Of course, it goes without saying that the rolled bills must be in small plastic bags before being inserted into the bottles. Carefully tape the containers in the fridge to avoid movements.
Yes To Deadbolts
From movies, we have learned that a simple hairpin or a card is enough to open a locked door knob. This is why deadbolts are advisable for homeowners that want extra security features that would leave burglars busy trying to figure out how the contraption works.
According to St. Cloud, deadbolts, unlike knobs, don't have a spring mechanism but have a bolt that must be activated either with a thumb turn or a key. It is best installed on steel or solid wood.
Leave A Pair Of Boots By The Door
Safety boots are marked with steel toes, which are efficient in preventing the wearer from sustaining major foot injuries common in the workplace. On top of this, they also encase the feet and keep them safe from fallen objects while also increasing durability.
Even though not everyone likes this design these days, display a pair beside the front door to let burglars know that someone is inside the house. Change up the location on the porch every day to make it more believable to passersby.
Leave A Car Behind
This tip is for households that have two vehicles. A car in the driveway automatically makes a person assume that there is someone home. So try to carpool with friends or a family member to fool thieves.
Plus, carpooling is a great way to help the environment because it lessens the number of vehicles on the road, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions and the chances of traffic congestion. Better yet, try Uber or other car-riding companies to save up on gas and money.
Pretend Someone Is In The House
It is fun to be successful and have a nice house, but the downside is that no one will stay to guard the property. According to StatCan, over four million adults live alone in the United States in 2021, which means their risk of burglary is also high.
Because robbers often scout their target houses, always pretend that someone is at the home by waving goodbye to an imaginary person when backing the car up before leaving. This way, they would contemplate on breaking in or not.
Clothes Don't Prove Anything
There is a common misconception that people who wear nice clothes are always kind and nice while those that choose worn-out ones are bad individuals. Even kids think this way because former police Bob Stuber's experiment showed kids' perception of a "bad stranger" is those that don raggedy pieces and has yellow teeth.
The truth is, anyone can be a thief so don't trust someone wearing a suit and a tie because they may be a sheep in disguise. After all, some burglars love to dress up as salesmen.
Anybody Could Be A Burglar
The truth is, burglars can be people who helped clean the house, scout the vicinity for a supposed neighborhood improvement, or repair the cable a few days before. They could be unauthorized personnel who get information about the security features of the abode for a later inside job.
Safe Wise advises asking a friend or an expert that the family knows to avoid deceptions like this. Never leave a house key with the staff as much as possible, and stay inside the premises while the repair is ongoing.
Big Bushes Are Not The Best House Protection
Houses that are meant to be kept secluded by tall trees and lush bushes sound like the owners have a lot of valuable things to protect. Plus, celebrity abodes also have this feature, perhaps because they intend to prevent the paparazzi from peeping in.
However, this type of landscaping can give burglars a chance to hide from plain sight when fiddling with the windows. As such, thorny plants like barberry, which are native to Japan, can deter robbers from coming near.
Ghost Dog Will Bite
According to Keller & Keller, there are an estimated 4.5 million Americans who get bit by a dog per year, so we are not surprised that a lot of postal servicemen are cautious about delivering items to houses with canines as pets.
But this is a great way to keep burglars at bay. If not ready for the big responsibility of pet ownership, buy a secondhand dog house and used big canine toys as well as a sign that warns passersby that the animal bites.
Is Somebody Home?
Burglars have become brazen enough to check if there are any people at a house at that moment. While the homeowner may probably think of the situation as nothing, thieves take this as a sign to move to the next house until such time they don't get an answer to the door.
It is common sense not to open the door to strangers but many still forget about this rule. This is why a doorbell camera with a mic is advisable. According to Digital Trends, this tech is also useful to address package theft.
Be Friends With The Neighbors
Some people don't see eye to eye with their neighbors but there are many reasons to try to get along with them. On top of helping a person fit in and feel a sense of belonging in the community, they could also low-key alert homeowners if there are suspicious people inside.
Build deep and true connections with them and try to introduce the family to them as well. Who knows, they may help keep the property safe from burglars and other accidents.
An Unlikely Accomplice
In 2012, a taxi driver was caught tipping his burglar friends off empty houses where he would drop his customers. Once he shared the details, the thieves would ransack the place, resulting in the loss of thousands of dollars in jewelry and other valuable items.
And while this has become uncommon, it is better safe than sorry. Asked to be dropped off a few houses before or after yours. This way, the customer can also enjoy a few minutes of walking, which will be beneficial for their health.
Lawns As The Ultimate Sign If A Person Is Home
Signs that a lawn is regularly mown are uniform and healthy grass growth and consistent color. Plus, TBLawnCare also notes that this could offset solar heat because of cooling evaporation. Not only does this look great from the street, it will also signal burglars that the homeowners have the time to do this upkeeping task.
Therefore, they are not too busy not to cut the grass. Besides, this will also seemingly inform onlookers that there are always people inside the house.