| What does a thief look like anyway? In short, he | | | | the resident they are planning to steal from. One |
| (usually a he though a she is never completely out | | | | of the newest trends in home burglary is the |
| of the question) is a human being. There is no | | | | undercover criminal, usually posing as a policeman, |
| true description of what a thief looks like. | | | | cable installer, electrician or maintenance man. He |
| Stereotypes of a burly, mean-looking thug are | | | | may be using the opportunity to gain entrance to |
| usually far from the truth. Thieves look like | | | | a house and "case" the area, or worse yet, may |
| ordinary people, even nice everyday people; this | | | | use the opportunity to assault the homeowner. |
| helps to earn trust and get the job done quickly. | | | | The most successful criminals could be called a |
| Thieves could be complete strangers or people | | | | smarter breed of thief, though obviously it's not |
| you even know. | | | | very accurate to say thieves are "smart"-not in |
| Some criminals are not bright and will be rather | | | | the long run anyway. Eventually those who are |
| conspicuous in their planning. They may be seen | | | | dishonest slip up and are caught by police. |
| by others looking around outside a home. They | | | | However, you must accept the fact that there |
| may make obvious mistakes or alert the | | | | are some criminals who have above average |
| suspicions by others by doing something that can | | | | intelligence and who could figure a way around all |
| only be described by normal folks as "really | | | | of your natural defenses. (For instance, turning on |
| stupid." These thieves don't last long and are | | | | the TV when you're away or installing locks on |
| usually locked away for 10-15 years and never | | | | the doors) |
| heard from again. (At least in your neighborhood) | | | | What can you do to protect yourself against |
| If only all criminals were this easy to catch, try | | | | these "smarter" criminals? Your best protection is |
| and convict! | | | | to install a new age home security system with |
| However, it's safe to say that most criminals | | | | motion sensor detection and live monitoring. This |
| don't fit this description. Successful criminals "get | | | | type of system monitors all areas of your home, |
| paid" (with someone else's money) not to be | | | | including the doors and windows and even |
| noticed and to seem like everyday neighborhood | | | | movement inside the premises. New age smart |
| residents. Some criminals are deliberately very | | | | sensors can differentiate the movements of a |
| charming so as not to arouse suspicions. Some | | | | thief and something common in the house, such |
| burglars will even strike up a conversation with | | | | as a pet. |