Burglers Reveal the Dumbest Mistakes Homeowners Make That Help Them Break Into Houses (Don’t Do These Things!)

Forbes notes that Americans spend a whopping $20 billion per year on security to protect their houses from property crimes such as burglary, breaking, and home invasion. Still, many wise culprits end up successfully stealing what’s not theirs.

And while most of us feel that we are on top of home security, some means won’t cut the pesky bad guys out. Luckily, former burglars reveal the secret to stopping these crimes from happening, and some of us may be surprised by how simple these tips are!

A Window of Opportunity

Like unlocked doors, windows are great opportunities for thieves to break in. Take it from this ex-burglar, who went inside schools without a hard time. Needless to say, owners should make sure to lock their windows before leaving or change the mechanism of the locks.

Reader’s Digest notes that 23 percent of burglaries happen because thieves enter first-floor windows. It added that bad guys need not be experts in breaking in because homeowners give them the opportunity to commit the crime.

Unlikely Accomplices Are Everywhere

In 2012, a taxi driver was caught tipping his burglar friends off empty houses where he would drop his customers. Once he shared the details, the thieves would ransack the place, losing thousands of dollars in jewelry and other valuable items.

And while this has become uncommon, it is better to be safe than sorry. Asked to be dropped off a few houses before or after yours. This way, the customer can also enjoy a few minutes of walking, which will be beneficial for their health.

Not As Secure As You Think

Lock boxes are tiny boxes attached near door knobs or the outside wall used to store keys in houses or Airbnb accommodations. The contraption requires the correct code to open, and the host often provides the guest with the password.

However, this former burglar claimed that these things are easily opened. So plan accordingly; it is better to be safe than sorry. Have the keys duplicated and distributed to other members of the family instead of leaving one outside the house?

Don’t Trust All Salesmen

There is a common misconception that people who wear nice clothes are always kind and friendly while those that choose worn-out ones are bad individuals. Even kids think this way because former police Bob Stuber’s experiment showed kids’ perception of a “bad stranger” is those that don raggedy pieces and has yellow teeth.

The truth is, almost anyone can be a thief, so don’t trust someone wearing a suit and a tie because they may be a sheep in disguise. After all, some burglars love to dress up as salesmen.