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Scary Break-In Tactics Burglars Don't Want You To Know About
By MICHELLE MILEY
Walk In
Most burglars access a home via unlocked doors or windows — all without causing suspicion from your neighbors — so keep them locked even when you’re home.
Garage
Even while you’re at home, keep your garage door closed to stop brazen burglars from sneaking in. Also, keep the garage door opener on your keys and never in your car.
Trim the bushes around your garage door so burglars can’t hide in them, and install a garage door shield that prevents burglars from opening the door with a wire coat hanger.
Pets
Place your pet door in a wall instead of a door to stop burglars reaching in and unlocking the door, and use the pet door’s locks and barriers when you're not at home.
Install an electronic pet door that only opens with your pet’s RFID collar, put up a "beware of dog" sign, or get motion sensors that make barking sounds if you don’t have a dog.
Tools
Opportunistic thieves can use your ladder to access second-story windows, your pry bar to open locked doors, and your bricks to break a window and gain entry to your home.
Clear away and lock up your tools after using them, lock your shed to stop burglars from stealing or using the tools inside, and cover building materials with a staked-down tarp.
Technology
Burglars can hack Wi-Fi systems used to control a home's devices and security, like your garage door keypad and systems that control your lights and security cameras.
Never keep default device settings, change your passwords periodically, don't skip software updates, and install a remotely monitored security system to thwart attempted hackings.