How Burglars Pick a House? According to the FBI, a burglary is committed about every twelve seconds. In order to avoid being a data point in those statistics there are things you can do to secure your home. Just try to think as the professional burglar does.

One thing that is safe to say about most professional burglars is: they avoid getting caught. In order to do that, they minimize the odds by looking for vulnerable targets. Some amateurs will simply smash and grab, taking something from the garage or entering an unlocked home when you're away. But the professional applies a little more thougt, in order to up the haul and lower the risk. The first thing to notice is that they have to approach the house by stealth. That's why, not surprisingly, most burglaries take place during the night. Lighting your home well can help shift the odds. Look especially for those corners and windowless areas that lead to a point of entry out of sight.

Instruct young children never to answer a doorbell or a knock at the door. Do not leave a key under a doormat, in a mailbox, or other outside location where a burglar could easily find it. Do not give house keys to parking lot attendants or car repairmen. Give them your car ignition key only. On your answering machine, never leave a message that you are not home. Replace or re-key all locks immediately after moving into a new home. Make a list of your valuables - video equipment, stereos, computers and jewelry. Take photos of the items, list their serial numbers and description. Check with the Police department about engraving your valuables with your driver's license number or social security number.

We all like getting away at Christmas time, enjoying the great summer, or even a long weekend in winter. But thieves also know how much we love our holidays. To help deter burglars and keep your belongings, here are a few tips for securing your home.

Do Don't Do Don't 1.Leave holiday details on your answering machine. 1.Engrave your valuables. 1.Leave holiday details on your answering machine. 1.Engrave your valuables. Don't tell burglars you're away by leaving Engraving your drivers licence number Don't tell burglars you're away by leaving Engraving your drivers licence number message on your answering machine saying possessions makes it harder for a thief where you are. to sell them message on your answering machine saying possessions makes it harder for a thief where you are. to sell them 2.Leave empty gift boxes on the kerb. 2.Use sensor lights. 2.Leave empty gift boxes on the kerb. 2.Use sensor lights. Don't show thieves what expensive and new Thieves don't like well lit areas and Don't show thieves what expensive and new Thieves don't like well lit areas and items are available for them inside your home. anything that makes them. uncomfortable is likely to make. them leave. items are available for them inside your home. anything that makes them. uncomfortable is likely to make. them leave. 3.Label your keys with your address. 3.Have your mail collected. 3.Label your keys with your address. 3.Have your mail collected. If you lose your keys with your address attached Enlist the help of a trusted neighbour If you lose your keys with your address attached Enlist the help of a trusted neighbour to collect your mail. to collect your mail. you've made the burglar's job easier. you've made the burglar's job easier. 4.Leave ladders in sight 4.Turn your phone volume down 4.Leave ladders in sight 4.Turn your phone volume down Ladders not only make it easy to break in If a potential thief keeps hearing the Ladders not only make it easy to break in If a potential thief keeps hearing the phone ring,they'll know nobody'shome. phone ring,they'll know nobody'shome. through a roof storey, they're easy to steal. through a roof storey, they're easy to steal.

1. Windows Louvre windows are very vulnerable to thieves because they can remove the slats from the frame. To stop this, glue the slats into place, or even better, replace the window with fixed glass. A burglar can get through any space larger than human had, so fit locks to skylight and fanlights. If you are replacing glass in downstairs windows, consider using laminated glass which is much harder to break. 2.Doors Glass panels arond doors are especcially vulnerable, so replace them with laminated glass or you can buy special film that will do the same thing. Use locks that can be deadlocked from inside( double locking nightatches) incase thieves break the glass.

Wooden doors need solid frames at least 44mm (13/4) thick to be effective. Morticebolts to the top and bottom of all outside doors significantly strengthen your protection. Sliing patio door should have anti-lift devices fitted to the top and bottom to stop them being lifted off from the outside. A shock alarm will also do the trick. 3.Keys When you move house, change the locks on your doors. You never know who has been given keys by the previous owner. You can buy replacement cylinders which can cut down on the cost Never leave your house or car keys near a door or window. Thieves often stael these by using a fishing rod or magnet through the litterbox. A visor guard is a good idea to prevent this happening. Decide on a safe place for your keys and knowwhere you can find them in an emergency.