Anyone who has ever been victim of a robbery knows that awful, sinking feeling of being violated. So, the last thing you want to do is make it easy for someone to break into your home and steal your stuff, AND your peace of mind.

The Family Handyman is giving us some tips on how to not let criminals know you aren't home, making you a prime target for breaking and entering. Pay attention, y'all, because these are really helpful. Some of our favorites are below, but be sure to check out the whole list.

  • Leaving trash visible in garbage cans. Do you really want the whole neighborhood to know you just got a 60 inch plasma TV?
  • Posting on social media. That picture of you at the beach just alerted everyone that you're not actually home.
  • Not having your mail stopped. An overflowing box means you're gone.
  • Leaving the door unlocked. 30% of burglars say they just walked in
  • Window Units.Those small air conditioners can be knocked out pretty quickly, leaving your window wide open for a burglar to climb in.
  • Leaving spare keys in obvious places. Duh.
  • Leaving the doggy door unlocked. Yes, criminals have actually used these as entrances to the house.
  • Wilting flowers and plants. Nothing screams 'I'm not home!' like shrubbery and foliage that are unattended to.
  • Leaving the radio or TV on. Some thieves will knock on the door first to see if anyone answers before they break in.
  • Obituaries in the newspaper. Or online. Information about when a funeral is being held just means that no one will be home during that time.

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