Burglars Look For Easy Pickings

What does a burglar look for when scouting places to burgle?

Orange County, Fla., sheriff’s deputies got some answers from a convicted burglar. Here are some of the things he told police:

He would walk or drive around the neighborhood for about an hour, looking for an easy target. He looked for “no-one-home indicators” - outside lights on all day, yards in need of mowing, newspapers in driveways.

He would steer clear of houses that had dogs, alarm system warning signs, noise coming from inside (radios, TVs) or nosy neighbors nearby.

He was looking for houses with unlocked doors and windows. He would knock on the door to see if anyone was home. If the door was locked, he preferred to pry it open rather than break it.

Once inside, he would check bedroom dresser drawers, bathroom counters and freezers - a favorite hiding place.

He usually would look for pocket items - money and jewelry.

How to protect your possessions?

Be sure your possessions are covered by your homeowner’s insurance. Unusually valuable items may require additional coverage.

Keep a written inventory of your possessions in a safety deposit box.

Photograph or videotape your possessions.

Police recommend engraving your valuables with your driver’s license number.