What does a BURGLAR like?

Experience has shown us that burglars like many things (mostly other people's things), but two conditions are preferred by most thieves:

• An invitation, and
• A fast, easy, undetected entry and exit

Burglary invitations aren't stuffed into envelopes as are birthday party invites; nor do we hang signs on our doors - "BURGLARS WELCOME" - the way we attach balloons to the mailbox. However, invitations are sent and signs are posted which are equally effective. Have you observed the pile of newspapers on your how the mail overflows from his mailbox? Other invites you might recognize include:

* Non-maintained yard.
* Keys left in your vehicle while you run into the store.
* Dark or concealed hiding areas.
* Windows left open when you are away.
* Notes left on exterior doors explaining where you have gone.
* The spare house key on top of the door jam. (Did you think no one knew that key was there?)
* Messages on answering machines stating you are away.
* An open garage door.
* Sliding glass door, without auxiliary locks.
* A house unlit night after night.
* Privacy fence.
* Flimsy door latches and locks.
* Basement windows.

After receiving his invitation the burglar also looks for a quick, undetected entry and exit. He will choose the path of least resistance, which affords him the best chance of getting away without being caught. For this reason, most burglars work the night shift hiding under the cover of darkness. This is an opportunity afforded by nature; other access and escape opportunities, which we provide include:

* A large shrub in front of a window
* A dark alley behind the residence
* A privacy fence around the yard
* An unlocked door or window
* A sliding glass door
* An exterior door without a deadbolt lock

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The author, Olen Martin III is a 20 year law enforcement veteran with international & domestic enforcement experience of violent crime investigations.  Mr. Martin is the founder & Managing Partner of Tacticus, Ltd., an international security and law enforcement consulting service; specializing in training and equipment for personal protection, safety, surveillance and electronic investigative tools at spywareguys dot com, and personalsafetyguys dot com.  Please contact the author for further information.