In today’s world, staying secure ON-LINE is as important as staying secure ON-LAND. My last 2 BLOG posts, Before Saving Your Credit Card Information Online…THINK TWICE!! and Wire Fraud in a Real Estate Transaction–Key Prevention Practices outlined ways to help prevent becoming a victim on-line. Reportedly, a home invasion occurs about every 20 seconds in the United States!

Check out some of the things that home burglars don’t want YOU to know:

1. They are Social Media Stalkers – Of course, it’s tempting to post about your upcoming cruise or vacation to all your friends on social media. However, it is strongly advised to WAIT until you’re back home to share vacation information.
2. They Hunt for the Perfect Target – Newspapers piled in driveways and overflowing mailboxes are dead give-aways! Then comes the knock at the front door. If someone answers, they deceivingly cover up their ruse by maybe asking for directions or offering some sort of fake service.
3. They Know the Prime Times – The hours between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM are the best times as it is a high probability that people will be away at work or school. The last thing criminals want is to encounter someone at home.
4. They Know How to Blend In – Think about it … Your neighbors don’t always know who your relatives are or whether you’ve called a vendor to do work at the house. A cunning criminal will take advantage and will dress to deceive.
5. They Despise Your Security Systems and Surveillance Cameras – Unlocked windows, unused deadbolts, poorly lit homes and residences without security systems are prime targets for burglars. So, be sure you are using the security features you already have!
6. They Thank You for Your Lush Landscaping – Mature landscaping and tall bushes are favorites of burglars since they offer an obstructed view from the street, making it easy to hide from neighbors. A homeowner’s best defense is a clear view of the front entry way from the street.
7. They Steer Clear of Homes with Dogs – Fido is, once again, your BEST FRIEND!
8. They Make a Bee-line to the Master Bedroom – They are looking for jewelry, cash, credit cards that are commonly stowed in the master bedroom.
9. They Rarely Make it into the Kid’s Bedrooms – The clock is ticking when your home is breached, therefore the rooms that are likely to contain the most valuables are at the top of their hit list.
10. They Exit Out the Front Door – For the same reason they dress to deceive, walking right out the front door avoids suspicion. Being seen climbing out of a window carrying their loot would certainly draw attention, don’t you think?

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Be sure to check out our next BLOG POST on April 5th.

Until then… it’s all about YOU!