Security tips from a burglar

Burglar '2stroke' offers some tips for keeping your home safe:

Make sure every external door has a sturdy, well-installed deadbolt lock. It's the best protection. Even I can't get through that one.

If you're heading away on holiday tell your neighbours, or better still get a housesitter. And don't stop your mail or newspaper deliveries; it signals you're away. Instead, have a neighbour pick up your deliveries.

If you can afford it, connect your lights to an automatic timer. It gives the appearance someone is home.

Burglars love ranchsliders, so use a secondary blocking device on all sliding glass doors.

A messy section is just an invitation for a burglar. Mow your lawns to help keep the burglars at bay.

Get an alarm. The salespeople are right. They are an effective deterrent, especially if they have visible signage.