We all know that the presence of a burglar alarm—either a visible sign or a camera—can deter thieves from trying to steal belongings in or around your home. There are other notable deterrents that may not be as obvious to you, but are red flags for crooks.

1. Crooks Case for Burglar Alarms.

Many times, those who mean to steal from you have already been in your home. They could have been conducting a home repair or just delivered that brand new flat screen. Try not to let them wander around your home, especially in a bathroom. Restrooms with windows are one of many locations they could leave unlocked for future reentry. Windows over a kitchen sink or easily accessible on the second floor are also easy targets.

2. They’re on Neighborhood Watch too.

But they’re not looking out for your wellbeing. They’re looking to see who’s not home. Some major indicators include:

• A dark house
• No cars in the driveway
• Overflowing mailbox
• Driveway full of newspaper deliveries
• Unkept lawn

Set your lights on a timer so that there’s always a light on somewhere. Motion sensing lights also help to deter a thief. Arrange for mail, flyers, and papers to be picked up or held at the post office until you return. Keep a car in the driveway if possible for a sign that someone may be around. If you are going on vacation, clean up your yard before you go. If the yard doesn’t look abandoned, your home may be safer for it.

3. Dogs are Not a Burglar’s Best Friend.

Not only do barking dogs draw attention to a situation, they can also bring an owner into the same room to try and quiet it down. It’s just one more obstacle a thief will try to avoid. Even if you don’t have a dog, posting signs of a pet around your home can give a burglar enough pause to move on.

4. Burglars Can Check Out When You Check In.

Social media is great for telling your friends and family—and thieves—where you are currently vacationing. If you’re taking an extravagant trip overseas, chances are your home is pretty extravagant, and it’s currently empty. Even with privacy policies in place, be careful what you share online.

5. It Doesn’t Take Very Long to Rob a Home

Heading out for a quick run, errand, trip down the street? Leaving your door unlocked? You could be welcoming a thief into your home. Even if you lock the front door, but keep the back door open because you won’t be very long, well, it won’t take experienced thieves very long to steal from you either. If you think you have the perfect hiding spot for jewelry, money, keys, etc, you’re probably not the only one with the same idea. Chances are they’ll look under that lone rock/hide-a-key next to your door, or the medicine bottle outside of the bathroom and find your diamond earrings. It’s best to keep valuables under lock and key and safely tucked away.

While all these tips are helpful, there’s nothing quite like installing surveillance cameras in and around your home. This is still one of the biggest deterrents for burglars, especially now that you can get a high-tech, commercial-grade burglar alarm system for residential prices. Stay vigilant and know the risks. Thieves don’t want you to think your house is vulnerable, cause then you’ll make it more difficult for them to break in.

---