10 Simple and Guaranteed Burglar Bye-byes

I know, you've read it all before. But, hey, you can never be too careful about such things as home security. After all, every penny spent in building that precious little home was hard-earned. Here are ten simple tips on how to shun those burglars away from your home:

1. Lock and Double-lock/Check and Double-check.

If Hollywood films depict burglary at night, well, statistics actually show that most burglaries happen in the morning when everyone is supposed to be at the office or at school. So make sure to lock all windows and doors and then CHECK (double check if you must) if all entry points are actually locked. Bolt locks are highly reliable. They either keep the burglar out or buy you enough time for somebody to notice that somebody's trying to break into your home.

2. Advertise that there's a MAN in the house.

Make the whole world know that there's a man in your home. It pays. A pair of men's slippers by the doorstep is enough make that thief double think of breaking past that door.

3. Beware of Dog.

Having a pooch inside your home while your gone is actually cheap insurance. If you don't like dogs, then pretend that you have one. You can put a dish by the doorstep. Which do you think would catch the thief's fancy, the doorstep with or without a dish? Easy answer, huh?

4. Vacation Stops.

If you are going to be away for a great vacation, make sure to put a stop to your newspaper deliveries. You wouldn't want to give that big, big clue that nobody's home by showing up a pile of unread newspapers in the driveway.

5. Invest in Alarm systems.

They will cost you something but the peace of mind they will offer can never be bought. If you have a tight budget, then motion and sound sensors are the cheapest kind that you could settle for.

6. Home Alone.

In cases that you would be left alone at home, make some noise! Turn the TV on and put on some music. If you have to answer the door, pretend that you're talking to someone by saying, "I'll go get it!", this, of course, creates the impression that you have someone with you at home.

7. No Entry.

Are those pet entrances big enough to accomodate something more than your pet? What about the vents? Make sure to check small passageways such as these because they, too, can be used as access to your home.

8. A Key Under the Doormat, duh?

Everyone, yes, even burglars, already know that some people leave their keys outside their home (under the doormat, under a potted plant, etc). The safest thing to do is to BRING the key with you.

9. Stairway to Heaven.

A ladder by the window is a sure burglar come-on. Lock any ladders inside the garage.

10. Fire in the Hole!

Having a firearm with sufficient ammunition is safety in your hands. Just make sure to put them in a place that a child or even a teenager cannot access.