Psst! Want to know a secret? A recent interview with a convicted burglar reveals how he picked homes to target - and it's not what you think!
This guide is so much more than "lock up and leave a light on".
Jump into the mind of a criminal and learn how to protect your home from the bad guys...
Be on guard
We think our Beware of the Dog signs put off the bad guys...
Even people without pooches are told to leave a water bowl and toys out to look like Fido lives here!
This ex-con says: Robbers know people with dogs are less likely to use their alarm. Most family dogs are friendly, so throwing them a treat can be enough to settle them down. Some even use brooms to play and give them a scratch - making friends from a distance!
The answer here is a pet friendly alarm that you set every time you leave the house. Protect your home and your furry friend!
We think we're careful about what we post on social media...
This ex-con says: Countdown apps are a gift to us, especially if they post without people knowing! 23 days till Holibobs? I'll put that in my calendar! Talking of calendars, if we can see yours through a window, we know when you're out at activities and events.
Your apps could be automatically posting updates to your Facebook page without your knowledge! Turn this off in the settings. If you're happy to post the info, make sure it's not set to public. Move planners and calendars out of sight and cover windows with curtains or blinds.
We think we're modest about showing off our things on social media...
This ex-con says: Estate agents websites are online shopping for thieves. We can see what you have and where you keep it. We even get a floor plan for some! Streetview shows us the outside so we can plan the whole thing from our phone.
If you're selling up, do more than tidy up before the photos. Hide valuables out of sight. On the outside, have a professionally installed security system on show. If it's a wireless system, you can take it with you and protect your next home too!
We think we lift, lock and remove keys from the door...
But then where do you put the keys? Somewhere convenient, right?
This ex-con says: Keys on a hook in the hall are convenient for us too. A tool through the letterbox can easily pick them up! Same for small items on hall tables like wallets or jewellery.
A letterbox cage or bag makes key-fishing too much hard work. A cheap and easy fix!
We think we've hidden valuables somewhere no-one will ever find them...
This ex-con says: We know all the places to look. We check freezers, utility room cupboards and fake tins of beans.
Where they don't want to look is the loft. There's only one way out and they don't want to get trapped! Store your suitcases there too. If they're on top of your wardrobe you're offering a free carrier for your stolen goods!
Blake's has decades of experience in the security industry. We know how burglars think and what they look for in a perfect target. Has this post made you question how safe your home REALLY is?
Our experts have created a 3 minute Home Security Quiz, so you can put yourself in a burglar's shoes and assess your home security.
Answer the questions and discover how safe your home really is!
