10 Things That Make Your Home a Target for Thieves 

Hiding spare keys. Burglars know about fake rocks and leprechaun statues and will check under doormats, in mailboxes, and over doorways.

Instead: Give a spare set to a neighbor or family member.

Relying on silent alarm systems. Everyone hates noisy alarms, especially burglars. Smart thieves know that it can take as long as 10 to 20 minutes for the alarm company or cops to show up after an alarm has been tripped.

Instead: Have both silent and audible alarms

That’s why, I thought beyond alerting police to a break in, that alarm systems can’t really deter burglars. Do you think you’re neighbors are going to go to your home and risk tangling with a burglar when they hear it? The police don’t automatically or instantaneously arrive the moment it goes off.