4 Home Security Tips from an Unlikely Source

You might turn to your home security system’s company or technician for tips about how to keep your home safe from intruders. Chances are you also follow common sense advice from the police about how to avoid being a victim of burglary. But there is someone who is even more of an expert on the subject, someone you might not expect to provide useful information: the burglars themselves.

There was a reality TV show a while back if I remember correctly, called It Takes a Thief or something along those lines. Kind of like the FBI hired Frank Abagnale Jr., a master counterfeiter, as an expert consultant, you can learn some expert tips about home security from the “professionals” who made their living breaking into other people’s homes.

So without further ado, here are 4 home security tips from the real experts to keep your home safe from a break in.

Security tips from criminals

1. Hide your alarm panel

Most people have their alarm panel near the front door, where it can easily be seen through a decorative glass door or nearby window. That’s a problem because it lets potential intruders see whether the “alarm activated” light is on or not. Try masking it with a tall plant or decorative screen.

2. Secure your bathroom window

Most people don’t think to put an alarm sensor on their master bathroom window, but this is actually one of burglars’ favorite places to come in because it’s usually close to your jewelry.

3. Every second counts

Having an alarm is no guarantee that your house won’t get broken into, but when it goes off, it will startle an intruder for a few seconds. That doesn’t seem like much, but considering that most burglars aim to be in and out in 60 seconds or less, it can make a big difference.

4. You actually have to set your alarm

Lots of people make the mistake of not setting their alarms when they go out for a quick errand during the day, but this is when most break-ins happen.