A message from a local burglar

Editor’s Note: This is the first part of a two-part series with Holland offering tips on deterring burglars from targeting your home. This week’s column begins with a letter from a burglar’s point of view.

An open letter thanking everyone who is helping me:

I know what is in your home. I was there last week. I was the one cleaning your carpets, painting your house, delivering your new appliances or fixing your computer. Then there is my cousin’s sister who cleans your house who LOVES to talk about everything you own. Another relative’s good friend checks out what is in your home and then sells me the leads to homes I should burglarize.

I work in the neighborhood and I drive by your house regularly. Since your garage door is open, I’ve noticed some nice stuff in your garage. Thanks, I will be back.

Thank you for letting me use your bathroom when I was working on your front yard. While in there, I unlocked the window so it will be easier for me when I return to burglarize your home.

I look for newspapers left outside late in the day and empty trash cans sitting on the curb to let me know you are not home. You make it so easy for me.

I am not complaining but why did you pay all of that money for a fancy alarm system and then leave the house without setting it? I don’t understand but your bad habit helps me.

In the evening, I love looking in your windows as I drive by your house just before you close the blinds. Thanks for letting me know you have a new flat screen TV. I will be back to rob you when the time is right.

If I knock on your door and you don’t answer, don’t worry. I’ll just try the knob to see whether the door is locked or not. If it isn’t locked, I will just walk in, take what I want and walk out. Thank you for not locking your door. You have made my burglary career more promising.

Thanks for the message on your answering machine or Facebook announcing you will return from vacation Thursday morning. I will make it a point to rob you Tuesday night.

I saw your trash the other day as I was driving by and I saw the empty computer box placed carefully curbside. I need a new computer. Thanks!

When I break into homes, I usually check sock drawers first. I also check the dresser drawers, bedside tables and medicine cabinets. I really enjoy those fake soup cans. I love playing the game of you hide it and I’ll find it.

I especially love retirement communities. The residents always have great stuff that I can sell or pawn and they don’t hide their valuables or, if they do, hide them in obvious places. But what I really like is that they are so trusting.

Thank you again. I will be visiting soon. Too bad you won’t be home but I will let you know I was there.

Holland’s response: There are many steps you can take to make your home more secure. Have you check out your interior and exterior lighting at night? Does your home looked lived in at all times? Here are some suggestions, many economical, to help deter burglary.

Add thumb screw slide stops to window and door frames. They cost about $1.35 each.

Place dowels or rods in the sliding tracks of doors and windows. These cost about $1 each. Add a small hook or screw at one end for easy removal.

Add an additional peep hole for shorter residents and make a larger one for a bigger view. The price range is $4.50 to $9.50.

Use an No. 4 extender for cameras and lighting to add length for greater exposure to natural light changes. The cost is about $2.75.

Add a photoelectric dusk-to-dawn light control to an existing light fixture. All you have to do is screw the control into the light fixture socket and replace existing light bulb. The cost is about $6.

Install a timer and plug in a lamp, small TV or radio. Set the timer for various on/off times. The cost is about $5.

Replace the standard switch with a programmable switch. It fits in the same box as the original switch and is used to program interior, patio or courtyard lights. Use multiple settings for on/off times. The cost is about $25.

Barbara Holland, CPM, and Supervisory CAM, is president of H&L Realty and Management Co. To ask her a question, e-mail support@hlrealty.com. To view a power point presentation of the new laws that were recently passed affecting HOAs, visit hlrealty.com, click on press release button on the left side, then click on article title, “The 2009 Legislation for common interest communities.”