Your home is supposed to be a fortress, a cozy sanctuary where you can truly relax. It’s meant to be your safe space, a place where you feel completely at ease. Yet, without even realizing it, your comfy dwelling could be sending out an open invitation to those looking to take advantage.
It’s usually the small, often unnoticed things – your daily routines or those tiny details you overlook – that give away just how vulnerable your home might be. These seemingly insignificant habits can, unfortunately, paint a clear picture for potential intruders. Knowing these “red flags” can be the key to warding off unwelcome guests.
Empty Dog Bowls And Pet Beds
If you have a dog, leaving their food bowls outside or their pet bed visible and empty can signal that the dog (and potentially the homeowners) are away. While some burglars are undeterred by pets, a survey of 86 convicted burglars found that a “big, loud dog” was a significant deterrent for most, with some stating that “dogs are a deal breaker”. Even the mere presence or sound of a dog, regardless of size, can be enough to make a burglar seek an easier target, as they generally prefer to avoid drawing attention to themselves.
Overflowing Mailboxes And Newspapers
An overflowing mailbox, a stack of newspapers on the porch, or flyers left untouched for days scream “Nobody’s home!” This is one of the clearest invitations for opportunistic individuals, signaling that the residents may be away on travel or holiday. It’s advisable to have a trusted neighbor or friend collect your mail and papers when you’re away. An unkempt exterior suggests little oversight, which can motivate intruders.
Darkened Home At Night
A home that remains completely dark at night, especially when neighboring houses have lights on, stands out like a sore thumb. It implies nobody is around. Using timers for lights, both inside and out, can create the illusion of occupancy, deterring those from a quick entry. This simple Home Decor trick is a cost-effective way to underpin your security strategy, making your home seem alive even when you’re not there. Statistics show that most home break-in happens during the day.
Visible Valuables Through Windows
Leaving expensive electronics, jewelry, money, or other visible valuables near windows is like putting out a welcome mat for thieves. It offers a quick assessment of potential gains. Keep high-value items out of sight from external viewpoints. This simple change in your Home Decor can significantly reduce your home’s appeal as a target, as it eliminates the initial visual “shopping list” for an intruder.
Unsecured Doors And Windows
Believe it or not, a surprising number of burglaries occur through unlocked doors and windows. A pro knows to check for the path of least resistance. Always double-check that all entry points are locked, even if you’re stepping out for a moment. This seemingly obvious step underpins the first line of defense in your home improvement security plan. It’s often the simplest tips & techniques that are the most effective.
Ladders Or Tools Left Outside
Leaving ladders, shovels, or other kitchen tools outside and unsecured provides a burglar with ready-made tools to break into higher windows or force entry. Make sure all tools and equipment are stored securely in a locked shed or garage. Don’t inadvertently equip someone for an unwelcome visit. It’s advisable to put away anything that could be used against you.
Overgrown Shrubs And Bushes
While lush landscapes enhance home decor, overgrown shrubs and tall bushes near windows and doors can inadvertently provide excellent cover for someone trying to break in. This seemingly slight improvement can significantly improve visibility and reduce places where an intruder could lurk undetected. Additionally, the strategic placement of landscape lighting can complicate an intruder’s approach, making it difficult for them to approach a home unnoticed and acting as a burglary deterrent.
Social Media Over-Sharing
Broadcasting your travel plans, holiday photos, or current destination on social media while you’re still away is essentially announcing that your home is empty. Be mindful of what you share online and when, as law enforcement agencies and security experts consistently warn that burglars can use social media posts about vacations to identify vacant homes.
Lack of Security Systems or Signs
A home without any visible security measures, like an alarm system sign, security cameras, or even a simple “Beware of Dog” sign, can appear less intimidating. Intruders prefer an easy mark. Visible deterrents can make a potential target reconsider. This Home Improvement isn’t merely for show; it acts as a significant psychological barrier, underpinning a safer Lifestyle. A statistic by SLHSystems shows that only about 30% of US homes have a security system.
No Lights On During Holidays
Similar to a darkened home at night, leaving your house completely unlit during major holidays like Christmas or Easter, when most people are celebrating or away, can make it an obvious target for thieves. Winter, especially, with its longer nights, exacerbates this. This strategic use of lighting adds a crucial layer of deterrence towards unwanted attention, aligning with broader security recommendations to make your home appear occupied even when you’re away.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025
I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
But a lot has changed. And fast. In 2025, building wealth doesn’t require a finance degree—or even a lot of money. The tools are simpler. The entry points are lower. And believe it or not, total beginners are stacking wins just by starting small and staying consistent.
Click here and let’s break down how.
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
We all click on them with the hope that just THIS time the secret to changing a bad habit or adopting a healthy one will be revealed and we’ll finally be able to stick to that diet, stop that one or ten things that might in the moment make us feel temporarily good but really just make us fat, unhealthy, sad, mad or just frustrated with ourselves.
