You’ve invested in an expensive home security system and have tried your best to teach your lovable Labrador to bark at the sign of danger. What else can you do to keep would-be thieves from breaking into your home?

Here are 4 tips from professional burglars to help you keep your home as safe as possible.

  1. Burglars Prefer Daytime Break-Ins: It’s more common for homeowners to be out of the house during the day, giving criminals the opportunity to break in while you’re at work or out running errands. The most popular break-in times are between 12:30p-2:30p, not late nights or weekends.

 

  1. They’re Stalking You on Social Media: While you’re uploading your vacation photos from Hawaii, they’re ransacking your house in search of valuables. Privacy has become passé, and criminals are using our penchant for oversharing as research. Every time you check into a location, you’re letting the world know that you’re not home.

 

  1. They Don’t Like Security Systems: Burglars don’t want to risk getting caught, and typically strike homes without security systems. Also, inexpensive “tricks” keep burglars at bay. Examples include having parked cars in the driveway, motion sensor lights, and TVs that are left on.

 

  1. Keep Valuables Out of Sight: Enticing a burglar with an open view of your most expensive offerings increases the odds of a break in. Don’t leave your MacBook on your kitchen table, or your iPad on the couch. Multiple flat screen TVs visible from every window encourage burglars to check your locks for easy entry and a simple steal.

 

A burglary occurs every 20 seconds in the United States, so take the time to protect your family and your most prized possessions with a few common-sense tactics from the pros themselves. Keep your doors and windows locked, keep your valuables out of clear sight, and be selective in what you share on social media.

-6 Things Professional Burglars Don’t Want You to Know, RISMedia.com