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Melimaup
love lockdown
Member since 11/07 1509 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
This is really good information!
Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You:
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. 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.)
14. 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.
15. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
16. 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.
17. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
18. 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.
19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.
20. 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.
21. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.
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Posted 1/25/10 4:20 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
neener1211
:-)
Member since 4/07 22952 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
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| Posted 1/25/10 4:25 PM |
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Cpt2007
A new love!
Member since 1/08 5946 total posts
Name:
Liz
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
yikes. 
thank you for posting this!
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| Posted 1/25/10 4:29 PM |
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LightUpOurLife
Totally in love
Member since 8/06 12785 total posts
Name:
Bonnie-Jean
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
One that I've heard a hundred times yet I see people do all the time.
DON'T leave that extension ladder laying around on your lawn or next to your garage. They'll use that to get into your house, or your neighbors.
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| Posted 1/25/10 4:44 PM |
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Deeluvsvinny
DONE
Member since 10/08 4952 total posts
Name:
Whatever
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
Posted by BJandDan
One that I've heard a hundred times yet I see people do all the time.
DON'T leave that extension ladder laying around on your lawn or next to your garage. They'll use that to get into your house, or your neighbors.
Seriously!! Last winter, I had the cable co at my house installing a satelite on my roof. They used our extension ladder. It was pouring rain that day. They left when they were done. Two days later my neighbor called me to ask if the cable was still there. I said, "no, why?" She said "well, the ladder is still up!!" They left it there and never told me. It was there for three days and I didn't know, bc it was in the back and cold and rainy, so I didn't look out the back windows! I called and screamed at customer service. Two days later they called and did a survey on my service. OHHH, they got an earful!
My neighbors and I were sooo upset.
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| Posted 1/25/10 5:24 PM |
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Mrs007
Im obsessed w my lil man!
Member since 3/09 2528 total posts
Name:
K
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
So scary and so true!
One thing they didnt mention which the police mentioned to me was always take out your garbage and recycling, or keep it away from eye sight from the street. Crooks will see full cans and no cars and assume you are on vacation...happened to us just this week!
Thank God for nosy neighbors! The a-holes didnt make it in my house!
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| Posted 1/25/10 6:09 PM |
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Mrs007
Im obsessed w my lil man!
Member since 3/09 2528 total posts
Name:
K
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
Posted by BJandDan
One that I've heard a hundred times yet I see people do all the time.
DON'T leave that extension ladder laying around on your lawn or next to your garage. They'll use that to get into your house, or your neighbors.
happened to my dads cousin! My grandma left her ladder on the side of her house, and some jackass took the ladder from the side of my grandmas house, walked down 4 houses to her sister's house (they live on the same block) and her daughter happened to see the creep peaking in her second story window watching her change!
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| Posted 1/25/10 6:10 PM |
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MrsGmomof3
...
Member since 6/08 3290 total posts
Name:
Irrelevant
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
THank you so much for posting this!
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| Posted 1/25/10 6:30 PM |
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kimbalina
Bring on the glitter and bows!
Member since 6/08 15158 total posts
Name:
Kim
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
Great tips!! Thanks!
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| Posted 1/25/10 7:48 PM |
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Tah-wee-ZAH
Kisses
Member since 5/05 15952 total posts
Name:
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
Get a big pair of men's work boots... a BIG pair, Paul Bunyon size make sure they are good and dirty and leave them near the front door. They just might think Big-Foot lives there
Along the same lines, leave a big dog bowl/leash collar out. Most burglars know how to take care of dogs pretty easily but this in combination with some of the others might make him/her rethink your house.
A cop and an alarm company spokesperson told me that the signs announcing that you have an alarm, especially the ones you stake into the ground, are just as good as the alarm... most crooks will just go on to the next house that doesn't have an alarm.
House safes should ideally be set in the concrete foundation of a house. I found out recently that BF's parents had one in a closet, within a large walk in closet, in the basement. It was installed in the concrete floor and a rug covered the door.
Also, never leave your mail in your car where someone can read the address and know you are not home.
For decades, my family has never posted obituaries. So easily to look up the address and know when everyone will be away from the home.
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| Posted 1/25/10 8:20 PM |
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babymakes3
Almost there!
Member since 7/06 7376 total posts
Name:
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH
A cop and an alarm company spokesperson told me that the signs announcing that you have an alarm, especially the ones you stake into the ground, are just as good as the alarm... most crooks will just go on to the next house that doesn't have an alarm.
I just read that experienced burglars know how to get around certain alarm systems. It was advised to get a generic sign for your lawn, not one that advertises which company you use.
Also, I read a suggestion to put electrical work boxes into the wall to hold valuables. They look like a regular outlet or cable hookup from the front.
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| Posted 1/25/10 8:47 PM |
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KittyGags
LIF Adult
Member since 7/09 5614 total posts
Name:
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
I just finished getting my alarm installed on Saturday...I have 2 motions but my keypad is VISIBLE through my front door windows...good thing its always on!
Oh and I have the windows by the sink alarmed and have a shatter one on my sliding door...so I did something right...
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| Posted 1/25/10 9:04 PM |
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EsquireFish
LIF Adult
Member since 3/09 1259 total posts
Name:
G
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
When I was about 12 our house was robbed while we were on vacation. And they didn't have any hesitation about going into my obvious kids room. So they went into my dresser looking for my allowance money (which yes, I kept in my sock drawer). But they threw the socks all over the floor and didn't take the money. Why? Because my paranoid 12-year-old self put the bills into each rolled-up pair of socks so there was nothing visible!
And your dog can be a fabulous protector of the family home. Our dog helped prevent the robbery from getting worse (different robbery during a normal workday) because the robber had apparently back her into the master bedroom but she kept growling and eventually they ran out. And she was half-blind with cancer! So teach your dog to growl and look menacing. When push comes to shove, people are terrified of dog bites.
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| Posted 1/25/10 9:39 PM |
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MarathonKnitter
HAPPY
Member since 2/07 17374 total posts
Name:
EMBRACING CHANGE
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
this is one of the reasons i love my crazy dog. he's part pitbull. he looks so damn mean. the other day, someone knocked on my door letting me know that they were doing work in the neighborhood. when i FINALLY got the dog to shut up and get away from the door, the first thing the guy said was, "please don't sick that dog on me" and there was REAL FEAR in his eyes.
i loved it!
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| Posted 1/25/10 9:53 PM |
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ReiRei13
Life is Good!!
Member since 1/08 6460 total posts
Name:
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
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| Posted 1/25/10 10:16 PM |
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JenMarie
One day at a time
Member since 11/07 7397 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
Scary stuff
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| Posted 1/25/10 11:08 PM |
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drpepper318
MIR MIR MIR!
Member since 6/07 8274 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
thanks for the reminders! I have to remember all these tips. It's so scary to think about!
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| Posted 1/26/10 12:23 AM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
Name:
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH
For decades, my family has never posted obituaries. So easily to look up the address and know when everyone will be away from the home.
My family is the same way. This was in Italy, but the day of my grandfather's funeral they stole EVERYTHING. I mean, the furniture, his underwear, the light fixtures. Since the funeral was all day, and the entire town was there - they had enough time to do it.
The only thing we had left was my grandmother's maternity underwear - ONE PAIR. All her granddaughters took a piece and sewed it into our wedding dresses
I hope those thieves rot in hell!
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| Posted 1/26/10 7:21 AM |
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DeniseMarie
<3
Member since 8/07 10682 total posts
Name:
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
Posted by Melimaup
18. 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.
i am so guilty of this. My curtains are usually open until late at night, even when I am not home.
However, my alarm is ALWAYS set when I am not home, or when I am home alone at night.
I also have a very nosy neighbor who I am very grateful for.
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| Posted 1/26/10 10:33 AM |
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eroxgirl
My Loves
Member since 5/05 15697 total posts
Name:
Rebecca
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
Posted by Melimaup
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.)
Years ago I had a basement apartment in a brownstone-style house... I had my stereo up on the window ledge (it was like a bay window but even deeper). One night someone tried to break in through the window and they accidentally turned the stereo on twice so it lit up and loud music started playing... they scared themselves away - and thank God. I was alone and trapped because it was only a 2-room apartment and the only exit was right next to those windows. 
Message edited 1/26/2010 11:21:40 AM.
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| Posted 1/26/10 11:21 AM |
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Strawberry2468
It's summatime
Member since 3/09 4739 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
Great tips. Thanks!
I love that show "To catch a theif" (I think thts what its called) Where the 2 ex burglars break into someones home and then they give them all this new security stuff and try to break in again. the things people do is nuts. Of course they always break into houses with Rolexes lol
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| Posted 1/26/10 1:40 PM |
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Melimaup
love lockdown
Member since 11/07 1509 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
Posted by Strawberry2468
Great tips. Thanks!
I love that show "To catch a theif" (I think thts what its called) Where the 2 ex burglars break into someones home and then they give them all this new security stuff and try to break in again. the things people do is nuts. Of course they always break into houses with Rolexes lol
I love that show!
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| Posted 1/26/10 3:41 PM |
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
Thanks for posting, I stupidly never realized leaving my 2nd floor windows open was still a risk. I just locked them!
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| Posted 1/26/10 4:57 PM |
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butterfly20
Party of 5 - 2015
Member since 4/06 7390 total posts
Name:
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
thanks for posting...
i'll add that when we had the alarm installed the guy also told us to NEVER leave a shovel outside....
Also, if your getting an alarm seriously consider buying the radio backup option for it. our neighbor growing up was robbed- they cut the power. But with the radio back up the alarm would have kept working.
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| Posted 1/26/10 10:08 PM |
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anonttcer
BOOOO for fall!
Member since 7/06 10082 total posts
Name:
Meaning a NON ttcer!
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Re: FYI: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
I love that our new windows have the safety feature where you can open them a little to let air in but you pop out this stopper thing so they can't be forced up any further to allow entry.
As a precaution I leave them engaged even when the window is closed and locked.
However- if they want to break in they can always break the glass- but at least I'd hear that at night.
I always worry about someone creeping in a window..
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| Posted 1/27/10 12:57 PM |
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