Confession of a Burglar: Time is Money
What Entrance?
The latest confession of a burglar is about making their grand entrance. They know time is very important, and in addition to planning, they have to know when to strike. Their methods for learning about your valuables and how to tell if you're not home is the difference between success and failure.
Burglars want to be in and out as quickly as possible. They have no idea when you're going to come back and they don't want to be caught. Professional burglars use six minutes to steal your belongings. The average criminal takes less time. They eye the most prized possessions (electronics, jewelry, small appliances, etc) and get out the door with ease.
What to Steal?
As far as knowing what to steal, it's the homeowner's responsibility not to flaunt what they have. Unfortunately, many do not heed the warning. Burglars are painted to be complete strangers but they are also people you know. Even if you don't flaunt your wealth, burglars use their connection to you to enter your home. When you invite guests inside you tell them to sit in the living room or family room and stay there. Watch out for guests that want to look at the entire home. Watch out for guests that get up and look without your permission. More than likely, they are browsing to see what you own. If they don't know you, they may pose as a plumber, electrician, delivery person or other important official to enter your home. Don't let anyone in that you don't know or ask to come over.
Who else is involved?
To tell if you're not home, criminals use the delivery person. The unsuspecting delivery person will knock on the door and leave packages near the entrance. If you don't respond, they'll know you're not home. Burglars trail the delivery person and let him or her do all the work. It's the easiest way for burglars to see if anyone is home before making a grand entrance.
How long?
Time is money to burglars and they don't want to waste a moment. Don't make it easy for them to steal your items. Be careful whom you invite into your home and try to be present when a package arrives. If you can't be there, make sure someone is there to pick it up.
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