Secure Your Property

Steve Albrecht worked for the San Diego Police Department from 1984 to 1999, and wrote several police books, including Contact and Cover with a friend of mine named John Morrison. I recently received some information written by Mr. Albrecht about what he would do if he were a crook. This is based on his experience as a cop, knowing what to look for and what most people simply ignore. Here's a tidbit about bad guys breaking and entering your home, either to assault you or to burglarize your house.

Tools of Convenience

The best way to gain access to a house would be to use whatever tools the homeowner left me for my residential burglaries. The average yard has all kind of useful stuff laying around, including axes, shovels, hoes, hammers, ladders, and nicely-stacked lawn furniture. With the a ladder or even a lawn chair I could get on to the roof and through the usually unlocked second-story window. Heck I could do it in broad daylight. All I would have to do is wearing a white painter's hat and clothes and driving a work van that would help me blend.

If you want to protect your home, take Albrecht's advice and secure your property. Don't leave convenient tools around the yard that can be used to gain entry to your home, garage or other buildings. Keep your neighborhood safe by being aware of who the strangers are that are roaming around, even if they appear to be workers in vans and trucks. Call the police if you suspect that something is amiss. They won't mind coming to check things out.