Crooks Provide First Hand Advice To Protect Your Home

Nanaimo and District Crimestoppers Provide Tips To Avoid Home Break-in

Have you ever wondered how burglars select home to break into. Wonder no more, the following "how to" list was provided by over 105 convicted burglars.

The following "how to '" was provided by over 105 convicted burglars currently serving time in provincial and federal institutions for breaking into homes. Remember, the average criminal breaks into over 30 homes before getting caught. Read carefully ,these guys know what they are talking about:

1. Of course I look familiar.  I was there 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 there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. 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.

4.If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbour  to create car and foot prints leading into the house. Virgin snow drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

5. 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.

6. 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 jewellery. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

7. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door which is understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

8. 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.)

9.Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers,the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

10. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids rooms.

11. 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.

12.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 out of town you can buy a $35 dollar device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television.(Find it at http://www.faketv.com/)

Lastly two things I hate most, loud dogs and nosy neighbours.