1. Your Trash Cans
Make sure that any packing discarded in your trash cans doesn't look like it recently contained something valuable. If you leave a brand new TV's packaging out in the open, you're practically inviting burglars into your home to make off with it!
2. Your Health
Everyone knows how expensive prescription medication can be, and burglars are no exception. According to the FBI, prescription drugs are rapidly turning into some of the most stolen items in the USA, with prescription painkillers being a particularly common target. If you are elderly or chronically ill, then you really need to ensure that you take adequate precautions, in order to make your home a far less attractive target.
3. Your Social Standing
While nosy neighbors are the bane of many people's existences, they are actually very useful when it comes to keeping your property safe. Even if you don't particularly like your neighbors, it's good to develop at least a passing acquaintance with them, so that they can keep an eye on your house and pick up your mail when you're out of town.
4. Your Vacation Photos
Posting photos on social media of you enjoying a wonderful vacation may seem like a great idea at the time. However, all security experts advise against doing so, since this basically alerts the entire world that the contents of your house are up for grabs!
5. Your Alarm
Having an alarm installed is a great way to help your home become more secure, but unless you switch it on every single time you leave home, it can very easily lull you into a false sense of security. Many burglars are aware of the fact that many people fail to switch their alarms off when leaving home, which is a major reason why so many break-ins happen in broad daylight.
6. Your Garden
Having greenery outside your windows is a great way to protect your privacy from nosy neighbors. However, it is also a brilliant way to allow a thief to conceal himself, while attempting to break into your house. Keep larger bushes and shrubs away from your doors and windows if you have a green thumb and want to keep your home safe.
7. Your Lock
Most 'professional' burglars will agree that time is one of the most crucial factors when it comes to burglaries, which is why thieves are typically in and out of a home in less than ten minutes. That's why it's vital to secure all entrances to your home with more complex locks, such as deadbolts or multiple lock systems. Many burglars who encounter such locks will simply give up and look for an easier target.
8. Your Pet
If you own a dog (even a tiny one), your chances of being burgled will be significantly reduced due to the noise and potential harm they can cause. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for cats, since a large portion of cat owners do not also own dogs. This means that cat owners are at a slightly higher risk of being burgled. Cat owners are also more likely to have additional security issues, such as open windows and cat flaps.
9. Your Mailbox
An overflowing mailbox is a sure sign that there's nobody home. It only takes a couple of minutes on the phone or the web to put a hold on your mail while you’re away. You could also ask your neighbor to do so, as mentioned above.
10. Your Outdoor Lighting
Darkness is a burglar's best friend, which is why leaving lights on outside your home at night will make burglars think twice before trying to break into your home. If you are energy-conscious, then you can install motion-activated floodlights, which will help you both startle criminals and keep your energy bills low.
