Cookies under the entrance mat, beads spread all over the floor, invisible paint smeared on door handles – sounds like a naughty dog has been in your house, or a starter pack for when you're home alone during the holidays! But these and other unusual tips can protect your house – or at least let you know it was visited while you were away!

And remember that most break-ins occur in the afternoon when people are at work or school. Burglars feel safe because their chances of getting caught or identified are low. Still, before getting inside, they watch houses for some time to figure out if they're empty. By the way, one of the things they pay attention to is cars parked in driveways. So if you have an old vehicle you haven't gotten rid of yet, make it useful!

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