Ever meet a burglar?  You know, you walk into a bar, sit down next to someone who looks normal and interesting enough and, after you ask “So, what do you do for a living?”, you get such a start, you think he or she is lying.  (In case you were wondering, home burglaries are not the sole province of the male persuasion.)

But the conversation continues and eventually you muster the nerve to ask about some of the tricks of their trade.  And this being a burglar off the clock and one who enjoys being treated like a professional, is only too happy to share.  Well, even though conversations like this don’t take place every day, let’s assume this one did.  And on that assumption, here are 5 things the burglar would likely have revealed:

1. “I prefer robbing houses I’ve been too before. That way, I know exactly where to look for the stuff worth stealing.” Many burglars have jobs that take them inside people’s homes – furniture delivery, cable TV guy, you name it.

2. “When I see expensive toys and tools outside, I assume there’s even more valuable stuff inside.” Educate your kids and each other on the importance of putting bikes, scooters, power tools, and anything else that came with a hefty price tag away when you’re done using them. Leaving them outside when not in use is like sending a burglar an engraved invitation.

3. “Sometimes all it takes is turning the door handle and, ba-da-bing, I’m in!” Would you leave your house without brushing your teeth?  Of course not.  So don’t leave without locking all doors and windows, either.

4. “My favorite houses are the ones with two or more newspapers on the door step. That means either they forgot to have them held before going on vacation or the person they trusted to pick them up every day took the day off!” ‘Nuff said on this one.

5. “Guess what, if you can see your alarm panel from the outside, so can I. And if I see that’s not armed and nobody’s home, it’s time for me to get busy.” Not only should the alarm panel itself not be visible from anywhere outside, it also should not be visible through a foyer mirror.

So what have we learned except, perhaps, that some burglars are more forthcoming than others.  We’ve learned that where there’s a will, there’s a way, and it’s your job to block that way through a whole series of safety precautions.

And speaking of home alarm systems, how’s yours?  Is it up to the challenge of guarding against unlawful entry from anywhere in your house?  If you’re not sure or don’t already have an alarm system, why not contact Now Security Systems today for a free in-home analysis during which we’ll assess your security needs and come up with exactly the right solution.  Just as we’ve already done for thousands of Connecticut businesses, institutions, and home owners.