Burglars and home invaders are notorious for watching homeowners to learn their patterns. People who come and go at predictable intervals are much easier targets. If a burglar knows what time you leave the house and how long you'll likely be gone for, it reduces the chance that they'll get caught.



Try to mix up your routine a bit so your comings and goings aren't quite so predictable. If that isn't possible, it is a good idea to at least give the illusion that there are people in the home. Leaving a radio or television on while you're out makes it seem as though one or more people are inside. You can also purchase inexpensive light timers, which will turn lights on and off at predetermined times. These are particularly useful for when you will be gone for a few days.

Being close with your neighbors is one of the best ways to secure your home. If there is trust and good rapport amongst people in the area, you can keep an eye on each others' homes. If you become involved in each others' lives, you may notice if any suspicious characters are hanging around.

Have a friend stop by regularly to check on your property if you've gone out of town. You can even ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway on occasion to fool would-be thieves. It you do have a neighbor you're on good terms with, swap keys so that neither of you has to hide spare keys under the doormat, where thieves are likely to find it.

Always lock your doors and windows, and install a peephole in all exterior doors. Have good lighting around the perimeter of your home, and try not to have anything next to the house that could be used as a ladder.

Gravel driveways or paths are also a great deterrent because they make so much noise. Again, a burglar wants the easiest target possible, so discourage him from coming to your house by making it hard to sneak around.

Don't make the mistake of believing that your home won't be targeted if you don't have expensive contents inside. Burglars will take anything that they think they can sell easily. This includes DVD players, CDs, and even alcohol. Anything that can be sold or bartered is a desirable mark, especially if the thief needs money quickly.

While it's not pleasant to think about our homes being invaded and our belongings being stolen, the worst mistake a homeowner can make is to be complacent about home security. Not only are your valuables at risk, but your family as well. Don't make your house an easy target; lights, alarms, and nosy neighbors all make a burglar's job harder. Prevention is the best defense against crime, so be prepared, and stay safe.