Home security
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Retain the original boxes for electronic devices and expensive goods.
It makes resale more attractive to buyers by signaling care, and protects items during moves.
- Do not dedicate a whole closet to empty boxes.
- This may not work in small living spaces like European flats.
4 people, independently
Tear apart large electronics boxes rather than leaving them intact on the curb.
Bright coloring and large size signal that you have nice things, attracting robbers.
- Some argue that new TVs are too common for robbers to justify the trouble.
one person who lived it
Remove your house keys from your key ring before giving your car to a repair shop or valet.
A dishonest employee could duplicate the house key and enter your home later.
one person who lived it
If your car has been broken into, check for a missing garage door opener even if nothing else appears stolen.
Thieves may target openers visible in cars or use registration info to locate homes; some can also clone dip switches from exposed units.
- Newer garage door units may use rotating codes.
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Avoid hiding house keys in car-mounted containers because thieves can use vehicle registration addresses to locate your home and break in.
Thieves can find out where you live using your car's registration address or insurance card.
- If someone got into your house with a key, neighbors might not call the cops.
one person who lived it
Install motion-sensing spotlights and keep the exterior well-lit.
Criminals dislike light.
one person who lived it
Install a home alarm system before considering purchasing a firearm for defense.
If the alarm fails to stop intruders, they are likely there for reasons other than theft that a firearm may not resolve.
one person who lived it
Break down large packaging boxes before disposing of them to avoid advertising expensive purchases to potential burglars.
so you don't advertise
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- Flatten packaging boxes and turn them inside out before discarding them.2
Focus on actual home security measures like front door safety, dogs, and alarm signs rather than worrying about burglary risk from visible packaging boxes.
Burglars are more likely to target a house based on the perceived easiness of entry rather than the presence of second-hand items.
one person who lived it
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Keep the original box for electronic devices to access serial numbers and details needed when reporting theft to police.
The box contains necessary details for police reports after theft.
one person who lived it
Implement layered security measures, such as combining alarms with hidden indicators, rather than relying on a single method.
Clever intruders may disable visible components like antennas or sensors.
one person who lived it