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Some ex-burglars have revealed the telltale signs they used to be on the lookout for when planning which homes to rob during the Christmas season.
Much like in the movie Home Alone, criminals know that Christmas is a good time to rob houses thanks to all of the presents people have purchased.
They also know that many people won’t be home for the holidays, leaving their other valuables unguarded for long periods of time.
“Leaving empty boxes from high end electronics outside your house allows any burglar casing your estate to see that you have a lot of valuable items ready to be taken,” one former home burglar told Express.
Another robber revealed, “I used Facebook to see when people would be away, you won’t believe how many post on social media about visiting family for a few days.”
Especially do not use geotagging on your posts on social media because then the thieves can better estimate just how much time they have to loot your house. Better yet, just wait to share photos and the like until after you get home.
While a third ex-burglar added, “Don’t leave anything around for a burglar to climb on or move that helps them enter your house.”
Anthony Neary, managing director of security retailer Safe.co.uk, advises people to keep their gifts out of places in the home where they are easy to see. He also recommends breaking down any empty boxes that show what a gift was or taking them straight to recycling center.
“The disposal of Christmas packaging is an advert for what new tech and appliances you have,” he said.
“Even boxes from less expensive items left outside or in your bin can be used to their advantage and a burglar will likely take their chance to lift tens of gifts and be gone in seconds.”
Other tips for keeping your home from being robbed during the Christmas season include making sure all the doors are locked, including those to sheds and garages, and keeping outdoor lights on around the home.
“Thieves can also use your tools to help them break into your house,” said Neary.
He suggests keeping your trash cans behind a locked gate and using weatherproof padlocks to secure any outdoor storage areas.