Over the past year or so, I've heard rumblings around my neighborhood that a few houses have been broken into. It's kept me on alert. In fact, just this week, I saw someone riding around on a bicycle at 4:30 am. I understand that some people get up early to exercise but I wasn't getting that vibe so I rode around the neighborhood to see if anything suspicious was going on.
Just recently, our homeowners association also created a "Neighborhood Watch." It's not a bad idea considering the break-ins. My interest was peaked even more when I came across an article in a recent "Reader's Digest" magazine. The article is titled " Thirteen Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You."
I found the information helpful so I thought I'd pass it along. Here are the top 10.
1) Of course I look familiar : I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters or delivering your new fridge.
2) 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) I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters.
4) 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.
5) Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up outside to see if anyone is home.
6) I almost never go into the kids' rooms.
7) I don't take a day off because of bad weather.
8) Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I check dresser srawers, the bedside table and the medicine cabinet.
9) A loud tv or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system.
There's more to this story. Reader's Digest has outlined 8 more things your burglar won't tell you. Check it out ...
http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/article-8-more-things-a-burglar-wont-tell-you/article156681.html
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Our house was broken into last November. The insurance company told us the biggest problem is the way the deadbolt strike plate is attached to the door jam. If it is attached with little quarter-inch screws, there is absolutely no defense against a kick-in. You could almost fall into the door and the door jam would split apart, which was the case at our house. We immediately replaced all our dinky strike plates with ones that have an enclosed metal housing that accepts the deadbolt, and most importantly, attached them to the door jam with 3-inch long heavy-duty screws that attach through the door jam and into the adjacent studs. Now the strike plates are as strong as the studs holding the wall. Can it still be kicked in? Most likely, but it will take many many more and stronger kicks and may deter the thief who is looking for a quick and quiet way in. Unscrew one of your strike plate screws and see how long it is... you may be surprised!
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