Be Safe: 10 Ways Burglars Will Single You Out

While burglary and theft have been going on since the dawn of man, these days, criminals are using both time-tested techniques and new technology in order to find their next targets. In order to remain safe and to help best protect against burglary, average citizens are becoming more aware of their surroundings and learning about the warning signs around their homes and neighborhoods that could be evidence of a potential threat. Here are some of the best ways that you can help to be proactive and keep yourself from being singled out as a potential target for burglars.

Ease Of Entry

One of the biggest defining factors as to whether or not your house would be a good target for criminals is the ease with which a burglar can enter your home. Is it on a dark street? Is there a side door on the home or garage? Would the burglar be visible entering from the back of the home? To combat this element, make sure all entryways into your home are well lit and visible.

Do You Fit A Description?

Typically, burglars are looking for one specific item more than others. If they're looking to steal fine art or jewelry, a larger home of considerable value is a prime target. Make sure to check your local crime reports to see if there has been a rash of thefts in your area for items that you might have on hand, and take precautions.

No Alarm System Signs Or Stickers

Although seemingly small things, those yard signs and window stickers that you see on people's homes stating that they have a home alarm system do detract burglars quite well. Why bother breaking into a home that may or may not have an alarm when you can just break into one with no sign?

Do You Travel Often Or Work Odd Hours?

Sometimes, the easiest way for a burglar to strike a certain home is to just know when the occupants will be away for a certain period of time. Holiday weekends are especially fraught with burglaries due to this sad fact, so if you're planning to be away from home for a while, make sure to speak to a neighbor you trust who can keep an eye out or activate a home security system.

Secluded Homes Are Top Targets

Some people enjoy having a bit more privacy on their property. While this privacy is great in many aspects, having a secluded home, perhaps at the end of a sparse street, makes that home a prime target for burglars to hit due to the reduced chance they will be caught. Many of these homes are in dark areas with few neighbors, so be sure to keep your house safe if you have one of these homes.

Leaving Mail In Your Mailbox And Newspapers On The Lawn

Whether you just don't like getting your mail each day from the mailbox, or don't feel like reading your daily newspaper today, it is never a good idea to leave these items out in your mailbox or on the lawn. A few days worth of mail or a couple of newspapers on the lawn tells a criminal that a home is likely empty and the residents are out-of-town, making it a perfect place to burgle.

Dogs Truly Are Man's Best Friend

Many burglars have stated that the top thing that detracts them from certain homes, even more so than alarms, is the presence of a dog. Even if a dog is not dangerous, many dogs will bark at a noise in the night and alert homeowners and neighbors, making a getaway impossible for a burglar. Dogs serve many purposes, but home protection is a top quality for man's best friend.

Nosy Neighbors 

Many people look at having a nosy neighbor as an annoyance. But in the case of a burglary, having a nosy neighbor is a great way to ensure your home's safety. Many criminals are on the lookout for a neighborhood with someone constantly out and looking around for suspicious activity, and burglars know to avoid those areas. Be sure to thank your nosiest neighbor soon!

Lock All Doors And Windows

Not all burglars come through the front door... or even a door at all! It's important to remember not to leave windows unlocked during warm months when you want a breeze in the home. If you have a two-story home, make sure to close all windows on the ground floor and lock them, as they are an easy and quick entry and exit for burglars.

Always Remain Vigilant

Perhaps most important, you should remain vigilant at all times. Not all burglars follow a certain pattern or use much rhyme or reason to their actions; sometimes they just act impulsively. In order to keep your family and your property safe, don't let your guard down and always keep a watchful eye out for you and your neighbors and report any suspicious activity to the police.

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Michael Ferro is freelance writer and a graduate of Michigan State University where he majored in Creative Writing and received the Jim Cash Creative Writing Award. Born and bred in Detroit, he currently resides in rural Ann Arbor. Additional writing can be found at Examiner.com.