I received this email from a retired Federal Officer who had happened upon this information on a gun forum. It is a good primer on what the burglars and home invasion artists are looking for when they are casing a home or neighborhood.
The source of the majority the information was from convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky. Security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com, and criminology professor, Richard T. Wright, Professor at the University of Missouri- St. Louis, interviewed 105 burglars for his book, Burglars on the Job. Some of the information was added from law enforcement information I have received and found helpful.
1. Of course I look familiar. I was here last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your refrigerator.
2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in the yard last week. While I was there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste...and there are nice things inside. All of those yard toys your kids leave out makes me wonder what type of gaming systems you have.
4. I'm not complaining, but why would you spend all that money on an alarm system and leave your home without setting it?
5. I love looking into windows in the evening. I am looking for signs you are home, for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I drive or walk the neighborhood at night before you close the blinds to pick my targets.
6. Avoid annoucing your upcoming vacation on your Facebook page. It is easier than you think looking up your address.
7. To you, leaving your window cracked a little during the day to let in some fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.
8. If you do not answer the door when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.
9. Yes, I really look for newspapers piled in your driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your door to see how long it takes you to remove it.
10. 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.
11. If decorative glass is part of your front enterance, do not let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it is set. That makes it way too easy.
12. It's raining, you are fumbing with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I do not take a day off because of bad weather.
13. I always knock first. If you answer, I will ask for directions or to clean your gutters. (Do not take me up on it.)
14. Do you really think I do not look in the sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
15. Here is a helpful hint: I almost never go into the kids rooms.
16. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you are reluctant to leave the TV on while you are out of town, you can buy a device for about $35.00 that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real TV. (Find it at faketv.com)
17. You are right: I won't have time to break into your safe where you keep your valuables. But, if it isn't bolted down, I will take it with me.
18. Two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
19. Sometimes I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn-care guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
20. Do not leave your car doors unlocked. I can use the garage door opener to gain access to the garage. Most people do not lock the access door inside the garage to the house.
21. Light up the house in the evening. Burglars prefer to work under the cover of darkness.
22. Install "Bump-Proof" deadbolt locks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr23tpWX8lM Explains what this is and what you need to secure your home.
23. Remove the NRA, POAM, COAM or FOP Stickers from your vehicles. They advertise that you may/have guns inside your home. Burglars love guns.
I found the information sent me to be helpful. I have had a couple of close calls and friends who have had their homes broken into.
A couple of years ago, I was working in my home office when I heard a knock on my front door. I was not expecting anyone so I just looked out the window and saw a large woman who appeared to be in her late 20's standing on my porch. I assumed it was a solicitor so I did not answer the door. She knocked a couple more times. Not receiving an answer, she then opened the storm door. I heard a strange noise coming from the front door so I opened my office window and said "Can I help you?"
I had startled her. She started stuttering and said she was in the neighborhood offering free samples. I told her I wasn't interested and shut the window. I started to sit back down but decided to look out the window to see where she was. I saw her running across the front yard towards a van that had the side door open. She literally dove into the side of the van as it started to speed off. I got a glimpse of a male driver that had long hair and who appeared unkept.
I went to the front door and opened it to find pry marks on the door jamb near the dead bolt. I called the police, made a report and gave them a description of the van and the occupants.
After this incident, we made a few changes to our homes security.
With the rise in unemployment, normally there is a rise in property crimes. Take a few hours and make some changes and enhance your homes security.
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