The six main security mistakes everyone makes, according to former burglar
Getting robbed is a horrible feeling and a former burglar has shared the six common security mistakes homeowners often make.
Jenny Radcliffe is a burglar for hire (not what you think) and a professional con-artist.
Her job is to find weak spots in home security systems to make home owners feel safe.
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As a teenager, the Liverpudlian used to break into public spaces 'just for fun', without any criminal intent.
"There was a big old empty house on the corner, a beautiful old house," she told inews.
"We’d test ourselves to see if we could get in, not to steal anything. Just to have a look around because we were bored."
After meeting a footballer in a bar twenty years ago, she then made the decision to use her powers for good.
“He asked us to test out the new security system on his house,” she said. “I got in just by talking to his cleaner.
"People don’t suspect me, because I don’t appear threatening. But you never know if someone is who they say they are."
Jenny says these are the six things to avoid as a home-owner:
1) Sharing too much on social media
While many of us love to pretend we are seasoned jet-setters on social media, Jenny has warned against doing so.
The master burglar said: "People don’t realise that your online life is connected to your physical property.
"Every time we go on holiday, we post about it on social media. You wouldn’t have a sign on your front door saying ‘this house is unoccupied’ but we do in the digital realm.
"Burglars trawl through community Facebook pages looking for details about people."
2) Not protecting your CCTV system
She said: "Information is tracked and shared by providers, and any connected device can be hacked and this is a concern. Provided you take care of your own security and privacy around the actual device.
"They are a good tool overall in home security, provided people don’t see them as a substitute for alarms, other cautions and general common sense. Remember, burglars hate being slowed down, being noisy and being seen so anything that does one or all of these is very welcome."
3) Leaving around tools unattended and with easy access
Leaving a ladder outside of your property is just asking for trouble, Jenny says.
She warned: "I’ve seen houses where they have left ladders outside or unlocked garages full of equipment that could be used to break in.
"See if there are any ‘operational openings’, such as weak locks or windows. That is what we call weak spots in security."
4) Being too quick to trust your neighbours or cleaner with a spare key
The expert says it's important to get to know your neighbours first, before giving them a spare key.
If you wouldn't give your key to a stranger on the street, why would you give it to the stranger living next door to you?
5) Forgetting simple deterrents
It's aways worth making it look like you're home, even when you're not.
Having your lights on a timer to make it look like someone is home is a good idea and not leaving all the blinds closed too can help.
6) Having foliage around the house which could be used to hide in
If you are the process of getting robbed, make sure to keep a spacious perimeter around your home if possible.
Anish Vij