To help you prevent your home from becoming a target for burglary, you need to know what "makes them tick" You need to think like a criminal.

Police and security experts agree that these conditions are preferred by burglars:
(1) An Invitation and
(2) A fast, easy, undetected entry and exit.

You would never put up a sign in your garden that says, "Burglars Welcome". That would be crazy! But, that is exactly what you are doing if you make ANY of the following mistakes:

1. Your Garden is messy. Do you leave toys, tools or other items lying around the Garden? If so, this is an invitation for thieves.

2. One of the major causes of car theft is a key being left in the car. Even if your car is parked in your own drive, always remove the keys.No matter where your car is parked, always make sure that you take the key out!

3. You can easily protect your home by making sure that there are no dark or concealed areas.

4. some people actually will leave a window open when leaving their house. Especially in today's world, even if you only plan to go to the shop near by, make sure that all windows and doors to you home are closed and locked.

5. You never want to leave a note on an exterior door for a deliveryman telling him where you have gone.

6. Do you really think that a burglar doesn't know that your house keys are under the mat or somewhere close to the door of your home? If you need to give access to your home while you are away, give the key to a neighbour,never leave your keys just sitting around to be found.

7. Don't use your answering machine as an invitation to be robbed. Messages on answering machines saying that you are away are an invitation to thieves. Never change your message. be aware that most answering machines let you listen to your messages from a remote phone by entering a personal security code.
 
8. Sliding glass doors without any additional locks, such as a wooden pole placed in the track or a key lock at the top of the frame, are a favourite entry point of choice for burglars. Make sure you have an additional lock of some kind.

9. Burglars love to see homes that have no lights on night after night, That's an indication to them that your home could be an easy target for theft. The solution can be as simple and inexpensive as getting a "timer" to turn your lights on and off.


10. Flimsy door locks or latches can be a big problem. If your locks are in need of repair or replacement, do it immediately. You will save yourself a lot of hassle in the long run.

Once a Burglar sees an "invitation" for your home, the next thing they look for is a quick, easy and undetected way out. Human nature being what it is, they will always take the easiest path.

Here is a short list of favourites for burglars that you should avoid.:

1. Large shrubs in front of a window.
2. A dark area somewhere around your home.
3. Sliding doors with little or no lock protection.
4. Exterior doors without a deadbolt lock can also be easy targets.