1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste … and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.
5. If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.
6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set. That makes it too easy.
7. 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.
8. It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door—understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather.
9. I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don’t take me up on it.)
10. Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
11. Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.
12. You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.
13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)
8 More Things a Burglar Won’t Tell You
1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
3. I’ll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he’ll stop what he’s doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn’t hear it again, he’ll just go back to what he was doing. It’s human nature.
4. I’m not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
5. I love looking in your windows. I’m looking for signs that you’re home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I’d like. I’ll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It’s easier than you think to look up your address.
7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it’s an invitation.
8. If you don’t answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.
Retired and visiting as much of this beautiful country as I can.
All good info, but I feel sorry for the people that have to live with that thought process all the time. Maybe if I was robbed once I would feel different.
WOW, boy did we make a miatake. Sears called the other day to remind us of our annual DLP TV cleaning. We were gone se we just told the tech where the hidden key was so he could get in...........
2009 4X4 Chevrolet Duramax/Allison 3500HD Crew Cab DRW
2007 Sportsman Sportster KZ 33P Toy Hauler
"It's not the destination, it's the journey."
I had a house broken into once and I refuse to develop the mindset that I can't trust anyone. I lived in a rural area then without any neighbors close by. Since I moved I have learned to develope relationships with my neighbors. Over the years and I am amazed at the way they will watch my house when I am gone.
I have friends from out of the area that have said they received the third degree when they came to my house and we weren't home.
I appreciate my neighbors and help them out anytime I can because I know they will do the same when I need it.
Oh, and in response to the insurance. I felt more violated by the insurance company and some of the acusations the adjuster made. I did change companies since then and fortunately have not had to find out if they are all the same.
TV 2012 Ford F350 6.7 Diesel
TT 2012 Lacrosse 318 BHS Touring Edition
I hope you turned the message over to local police. Might noit help them catch the guy but with all of the help he provided along with your expert testimony it shouldn't take too long too find him. How many folks were working in your yard last week anyway. this guy must be a complete idiot to send you a message like that and still expect to be walking around loose.
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR - 2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles) 2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
I hope that I never have to live where I need to worry about such things.
We leave for months at a time, no alarms, dead bolts, or cameras.
Just a nice house in the center of town.
Yes, our large screen TV is the first thing anyone sees when they step on the porch.
Matter of fact, it can be seen from three blocks away, we are often kidded about which program we are watching.
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