No Burglars Can Enter Your Home If You Do This

Bright Side

Animation is created by Bright Side. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Music from TheSoul Sound: https://thesoul-sound.com/   Check our Bright Side podcast on Spotify and leave a positive review! https://open.spotify.com/show/0hUkPxD34jRLrMrJux4VxV   Subscribe to Bright Side: https://goo.gl/rQTJZz ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightside Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightside.official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brightside.official?lang=en   Stock materials (photos, footages and other): https://www.depositphotos.com https://www.shutterstock.com https://www.eastnews.ru ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  For more videos and articles visit: http://www.brightside.me  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This video is made for entertainment purposes. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, safety and reliability. Any action you take upon the information in this video is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any damages or losses. It is the viewer's responsibility to use judgement, care and precaution if you plan to replicate.

Transcript

00:00:00Did you know that every 15 seconds, a home burglary occurs in the United States?

00:00:05This means that approximately 4,800 burglaries happen every day, and the police can only

00:00:12solve 13% of all the reported cases.

00:00:15So yeah, home security is nothing to be joked about, and so I won't.

00:00:20But still, don't worry, it's not like you need to turn your house into a fortress

00:00:24to feel safe.

00:00:25There are a great number of things you can do to keep the bad people out of your house

00:00:30and keep your valuables safe without breaking the bank.

00:00:35First things first, homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be broken into

00:00:41and burglarized, so you should definitely consider setting up one.

00:00:46However, there are many different types of security systems out there.

00:00:49That's why it can get overwhelming to choose the best one for your specific needs, desired

00:00:54level of protection, and budget.

00:00:57Yet again, it all comes down to two options – professional installations and DIY installations.

00:01:03Let's go through both of them together.

00:01:06Professional installed systems require professional monitoring and usually have contracts that

00:01:11are likely long-term.

00:01:13Professional systems come with fees.

00:01:15However, companies usually require lower upfront equipment costs since they will spread the

00:01:21cost throughout the course of your contract.

00:01:23Once you decide on a professional installation, the company will first schedule an appointment

00:01:28with one of their experienced technicians who can conduct a security assessment and

00:01:33explain all your options to you.

00:01:35And as long as your contract is valid, you can report any problems you have with the

00:01:39system to them so they can make sure the equipment works correctly.

00:01:44All in all, you should pick professionally installed security systems if you want to

00:01:48put up your feet and relax instead of watching long hours of tutorial videos or reading pages

00:01:54of manuals.

00:01:56Still, professionally installed security systems may not work for you, especially if you're

00:02:01a renter due to the contract commitment conditions.

00:02:04Or maybe you're not a renter, but you simply have budget limitations.

00:02:08That's where DIY installations come in handy.

00:02:12The greatest thing about DIY systems is that while the average monitoring price is around

00:02:17$50 per month on professionally installed systems, it is around $28 a month on DIY ones.

00:02:24Plus, there are no installation fees with DIY systems either.

00:02:28Yet again, you should expect higher upfront equipment costs if you're going to pick this

00:02:32option.

00:02:33And there's also the fact that DIY home security systems come with the risks of improper equipment

00:02:39placement and missing security vulnerabilities a pro would catch.

00:02:43At the end of the day, the most important thing you need to do before choosing a system

00:02:48is evaluate the needs of your neighborhood as well as your house.

00:02:54Did you know that 34% of burglars simply use the front door when breaking into a home?

00:02:59That means if your door is not strong and secure enough, you're basically inviting

00:03:04the burglars in.

00:03:05So setting up security systems is not enough.

00:03:09You need to inspect all your exterior doors too.

00:03:12Make sure the door frames are strong and the hinges are protected.

00:03:16You can always use door reinforcement kits to add extra protection.

00:03:20If your door has a mail slot, don't forget to check if it's possible for someone to reach

00:03:24through it to unlock the door.

00:03:27When moving into a house or an apartment that was previously occupied by someone else, change

00:03:32the door locks.

00:03:34This is the easiest way to ensure that no stranger can just walk into your house using

00:03:39the keys.

00:03:40Another way to boost security for your door is to use wireless doorbell cameras.

00:03:46This one from Amazon is extremely user-friendly.

00:03:49It's 100% wireless, it has a built-in rechargeable battery that can last 1-2 months, so you won't

00:03:55have to charge those too often.

00:03:57You can track the battery situation from the phone app.

00:04:00It also has motion detection technology and super night vision, and you don't need to

00:04:04worry about the weather conditions because it's also waterproof.

00:04:08By the way, don't forget about the sliding glass doors.

00:04:12You can use a window bar or dowel in the track to keep them from being forced open.

00:04:16Or you can add a door sensor or glass break sensor to get alerted if and when someone

00:04:21is tampering with them.

00:04:24We're getting into the very basics of home security now.

00:04:28The percentage of burglars entering a home through a window is as high as 23%.

00:04:33The main reason for that is because most of the time, people forget to lock their windows.

00:04:38Yet again, burglars can always break the glass.

00:04:42If you don't want that to happen, you can try reinforcing the glass with window security

00:04:46film, adding window bars, or installing window sensors.

00:04:50If none of that is possible, you can also plant prickly bushes under the first floor

00:04:55windows to discourage burglars from choosing your house to break in.

00:05:01What's the difference between an actor and a burglar?

00:05:04Burglars don't like to be in the spotlight.

00:05:07That's why having outdoor lighting is to your advantage.

00:05:10Lights should be placed around your front and back yards, along pathways, and near the

00:05:14garage.

00:05:16To make your outdoor security lights more effective, you can use motion-activated ones.

00:05:21Take this one for example.

00:05:23It's solar-powered, so it'll help you save energy.

00:05:26But that doesn't mean you won't have any light once the clouds cover the sky.

00:05:30It's able to run 4-5 nights on rainy days.

00:05:34Also, don't allow the burglars to play hide-and-seek.

00:05:39While trees and shrubs may make your home look more beautiful, they also provide a convenient

00:05:44hiding spot for burglars.

00:05:46That's why you should trim down trees and plants, at least the ones close to your house

00:05:51that could be used for cover.

00:05:53Choose smaller flowers and bushes instead, so that burglars don't have a hiding spot

00:05:57to wait for you to leave your home.

00:05:59The same thing goes for any locked gates, sheds, or other outdoor buildings you have.

00:06:05Make sure those places are locked.

00:06:07Burglars can use stools and ladders to climb in from the windows too, so don't tempt

00:06:11them by leaving one outside.

00:06:15This one goes without saying, but I will anyway.

00:06:18Lock the garage.

00:06:19Even if there's no access to your home through there, it's likely that you still have plenty

00:06:24of valuable stuff stored in there that burglars might be interested in.

00:06:29It's also wise to store your garage door opener inside your house rather than leave

00:06:33it in your car.

00:06:35This way, you'll be preventing burglars from easily taking it.

00:06:39If you use a security code to open your garage, then keep it confidential and avoid entering

00:06:44it in front of other people, including neighbors.

00:06:47Some neighbors… well, you just don't know.

00:06:50Installing a driveway alarm will also help secure the garage.

00:06:56These days, not just burglars but porch pirates, aka package thieves, are a big problem too.

00:07:02Last year, almost 1 in 7 Americans fell victim to them.

00:07:06This is where security cameras prove to be useful.

00:07:09First of all, they work as a deterrent, and secondly, if someone were to really steal

00:07:13your package, you'd be able to identify them thanks to the security footage.

00:07:18If you can't spare some money to get a good security camera for the time being, you can

00:07:23opt for a fake one.

00:07:24They're a lot cheaper, and they will help make your home look more secure than it actually

00:07:29is.

00:07:30This one is worth considering if you're searching the market.

00:07:33It contains a flashing light, which makes it look as realistic as it gets.

00:07:39Last but not least, having a safe wouldn't hurt.

00:07:42And don't worry, it doesn't have to be one of those uncrackable giant titanium ones

00:07:46in the heist movies, like Ocean's 23.

00:07:50Burglars may still be able to break into your house despite all the precautions, so

00:07:54you still need to make sure your valuables are protected at all times.

00:07:59You can hide all things important from your expensive jewelry to your vital documents

00:08:03in there just to be extra safe.

00:08:06If you're going to get yourself one, make sure it is fire-resistant, waterproof, and

00:08:11heavy enough that a thief can't pick it up and walk away with it.

00:08:14As they say, better safe than sorry.

00:08:22You wake up in the middle of the night from a noise coming from downstairs.

00:08:26First thing you need to do is check what the noise is.

00:08:29If you suspect someone's in your house, do this quickly and quietly.

00:08:33It might just be a mouse that knocked something over.

00:08:36Still, if your suspicions are confirmed and you see someone in your dining hall, look

00:08:41for a way out immediately.

00:08:43Use the fire escape ladder if you have one, otherwise a window might do the trick.

00:08:48Still, chances are you'll have to stay put.

00:08:51Grab the phone and call the authorities, give them your address and explain the situation

00:08:55as briefly as you can, and in a heartbeat, they'll dispatch a unit to your house.

00:09:01Reaching your street, they can't find your house number anywhere.

00:09:04They get there eventually, but only after having followed the numbers from other houses

00:09:08in the neighborhood.

00:09:09By the time the authorities arrive, the burglars already escaped.

00:09:14That's because your house number can barely be seen.

00:09:16It's so tiny.

00:09:17Your mailbox's one is barely noticeable, too.

00:09:21Get a new and shiny plaque.

00:09:23Make sure the number's big and visible.

00:09:25This will not only help your guests find your house sooner, but you'll also avoid the authorities

00:09:30missing your house next time.

00:09:32While you're at it, make sure the mailbox number's visible, too.

00:09:36Another good way to protect your house is by adding a fence to it if you don't already

00:09:40have one.

00:09:41Make sure it's hard to get through.

00:09:44Use chain link or even metal fencing.

00:09:46Dig it into concrete as well, so burglars can't lift it.

00:09:50If you're okay with a rough look, you can even try out barbed wire fencing.

00:09:55Next up, add lighting to your yard, because if your yard's all dark, it'll be a perfect

00:10:00target for unwanted visitors.

00:10:02Keep a few lamps outside that you can turn on and off.

00:10:05A well-lit yard will let you see what's up outside, and your neighbors, too.

00:10:10If they spot someone, they'll call you and the authorities if need be.

00:10:14A spotlight camera is an extra.

00:10:16It usually stays off during daytime and works with a motion detector.

00:10:20It's really bright and lights up when it senses any movement.

00:10:24You can even get one that also starts recording at once.

00:10:28So not only will you frighten burglars, but we'll also have video proof in case anything

00:10:33does happen.

00:10:34Another thing is a ring camera.

00:10:36Whenever someone rings the door, you can pick it up without even being home.

00:10:41Since your phone's connected to the doorbell, you only need to answer the call wherever

00:10:45you are.

00:10:46If it's someone you don't know and you're smelling something fishy, you can pretend

00:10:50to be home and let them know you're not interested.

00:10:53Dense shrubs in your yard will give the burglar a place to hide, and you might not even notice

00:10:58there's someone trespassing.

00:10:59Keep your shrubbery closely trimmed.

00:11:02This will not only keep you safe, but also add a bit more shine to your yard.

00:11:06While you're out on vacation, avoid posting your whereabouts on social media.

00:11:11Say someone's had your house on their radar for a while now.

00:11:14You being gone is the perfect opportunity for them to strike.

00:11:18Leave posting the nice pictures you took for when you get back home, and you can keep an

00:11:22eye on things.

00:11:23Oh, and don't show people what you do day to day either.

00:11:27It'll be easy for someone to keep track of your daily schedule and plan an assault for

00:11:32when you're out grocery shopping, for example.

00:11:35This one's obvious, but always lock your home when you leave, even if you think you live

00:11:39in a safe neighborhood.

00:11:41And if you've just moved into a new house, change your locks too.

00:11:45It works for apartments as well, or even if you're just renting a room.

00:11:49You can never be too safe.

00:11:51Always keep the appearance that someone's inside the house, even when it's empty.

00:11:56The first way to do it is leave your television on, or even better, buy a TV simulator.

00:12:02This way, you can program it to turn on and off as you please.

00:12:06I mean, it'd be weird if it was constantly on.

00:12:09It'll save you a couple of bucks as well, because simulators consume less than the real

00:12:13thing.

00:12:15Get a plug-in alarm clock as well, and connect a lamp to it.

00:12:19Set timers for it to go off, let's say dinner time and for a while at night.

00:12:24You can also get an extra alarm clock and connect a radio to it.

00:12:27If people think you're blasting some tunes, they surely won't try to do anything.

00:12:32Don't forget any valuable items outside, things like your grill, bikes, and any machinery

00:12:37you might have.

00:12:38Store them inside your garage instead, and lock it tight.

00:12:42Security cameras outside your home will let you keep an eye on things, even while you're

00:12:46at work.

00:12:47This one's particularly good if you're extra worried someone's going to break in.

00:12:52Consider reinforcing your door, even if it's relatively new.

00:12:55Instead of breaking in, they might try and completely knock down the door if they're

00:12:59desperate to get in.

00:13:00Get a sturdier one that won't come down easily.

00:13:03This goes for windows too.

00:13:05It's worth investing in a type of glass that won't break when a rock hits it.

00:13:09Or use security film.

00:13:12It's a strong, transparent plastic you put on your windows to strengthen them.

00:13:16Even if your windows break, this film will hold the shards of glass in place.

00:13:20This will delay the entry by quite a bit, so they might even quit the whole thing.

00:13:25How much mail you've got also lets people know if you're home or not.

00:13:28If there's a huge pile of it, it's clear you haven't checked it for at least a couple of

00:13:32days.

00:13:33So even if your house wasn't a target, it might be now.

00:13:37Get familiar with your neighbors, invite them over for a cup of tea, and talk about your

00:13:41concerns.

00:13:42You'll watch their back, and they'll watch yours.

00:13:45And if anyone suspicious comes around, they'll let you know.

00:13:48You can even ask for a favor or two while you're on vacation.

00:13:51Ask them to park one of their cars in your driveway, to pretend someone's at home.

00:13:56While you're at it, give them the key to your mailbox, and ask them to take your letters

00:13:59for you.

00:14:00You'll repay them when they go on vacation.

00:14:03Take a walk around your house, and put yourself in the mind of a burglar.

00:14:06What would you do to get in?

00:14:09There's a tree there that you can climb to reach the second floor.

00:14:12Or maybe it's just too easy to climb the pile of junk that you've got there.

00:14:16It's worth getting rid of both, to keep the top floors hard to reach.

00:14:20And no one will be tempted to break the top windows and try to get in like that.

00:14:24If you've got a mail slot in your front door, be aware of mailbox phishing.

00:14:29It's where a burglar puts a pole straight through the mail slot, and fishes for keys.

00:14:33Or maybe even tries to unlock the door.

00:14:36Get a mailbox cage.

00:14:38This way, if they try to do this, they won't get far.

00:14:41Valuables inside the house are another thing.

00:14:44Get them out of sight as much as you can.

00:14:47The safest thing you can do is get a safe.

00:14:50But otherwise, you can get decoy items, just in case burglars do get in your house.

00:14:55Keep a few fake gold bracelets next to your bedside table.

00:14:59They'll think they've scored big time, when in fact, they're going home empty-handed.

00:15:04If you've always wanted a pet, now's the time to get a dog.

00:15:08Make sure it has a cozy place to sleep outside, and as a thank you, it's going to protect

00:15:13your house.

00:15:14As soon as it hears someone step foot in the yard, it'll warn you by barking.

00:15:18Not only that, but it'll wake up the entire neighborhood, too, which will bring even more

00:15:23attention to what's happening.

00:15:25Don't ever put up a calendar, or all of this will be for nothing.

00:15:29Say, a burglar comes out the back, and just looks through the window.

00:15:33If they spot a calendar with the exact dates you're going to be away, none of these tricks

00:15:38will work, because they'll know better than to fall for them.

00:15:42And as a last resort, you can get a panic button, and keep it next to you when you sleep.

00:15:47You can program it to call the authorities with the press of a button.

00:15:50With that, you'll have alerted them that your house is being invaded.

00:15:55If you think a deadbolt lock will stop a home intruder, don't be fooled.

00:15:5960% of burglaries happen through forced entry, so these people definitely know how to get

00:16:03into your home, even when it's all locked up.

00:16:06As for 30% of home invasions, they involve an intruder just coming right in through an

00:16:11unlocked door or window.

00:16:1365% of all burglaries happen between 6am and 6pm, exactly when you're at work.

00:16:20Before executing a break-in, an experienced burglar spends days, if not weeks, casing

00:16:25the place.

00:16:27They study your schedule and daily routine so they'll know exactly when you'll be gone,

00:16:31and for how long.

00:16:33They find this information out by watching you from afar, or by using some other tricks

00:16:37of the trade.

00:16:40One of the most popular things burglars are doing nowadays is tying a thread on the front

00:16:44door handle and fixing it to the nearby wall or door frame.

00:16:48This thread is so thin that a casual onlooker won't even notice it.

00:16:53By examining the thread, burglars can figure out the pattern of your life.

00:16:57It may reveal to them when you leave for work, go to the gym, head out for a weekend getaway,

00:17:02and of course, when you come back home.

00:17:05With this information in hand, they can plan the perfect break-in.

00:17:10Experienced burglars have a checklist of easy target homes.

00:17:13First, you leave your doors or windows unlocked.

00:17:16Locking your house up seems like a no-brainer here, yet so many people don't do it.

00:17:21They may be lulled into a false sense of security by their tall fence or quiet neighborhood.

00:17:26Or perhaps they think, I'm just making a quick run to the corner store, what could possibly

00:17:31happen in 5 minutes?

00:17:33Believe it or not, this is more than enough time for a skilled burglar to get in, grab

00:17:37your valuables, and make their getaway.

00:17:40Your house is empty during the day.

00:17:42There's a common misconception that burglaries happen at night, but that's when most people

00:17:46are at home.

00:17:47This increases a burglar's risk of getting caught.

00:17:50It's much safer for them to operate during the day when everybody's at work or school.

00:17:55If you constantly share pictures and posts on social media about your expensive things

00:18:00or extravagant vacations, don't be surprised if one day you find some valuables missing

00:18:04from your home.

00:18:06There are certain things you can do to make yourself less of a burglary target.

00:18:10Nothing beats a home security system and surveillance.

00:18:13If a criminal notices an alarm and an operating camera, they'll most likely cross your home

00:18:17off their list of potential targets.

00:18:20Surprisingly, just a beware of dog sign can prevent burglary.

00:18:24It's even better if you have an actual dog though.

00:18:27That tall fence and thick shrubbery that provide your home with some privacy can work against

00:18:31you.

00:18:32Sure, your neighbors can't see what you're up to in your backyard, but they also won't

00:18:36be able to notice if some dishonest citizen invites themselves into your house while you're

00:18:40away.

00:18:42Consider opening up the area around your home so that it doesn't seem so isolated.

00:18:47Are you one of those people who keep their wallet and car keys in a bowl near the front

00:18:51door?

00:18:52Yes, it's really convenient to have everything right there as you're heading out, but if

00:18:56a burglar breaks into your house during the night, nothing will be easier for them than

00:19:00to grab your valuables and quietly sneak away.

00:19:03The best place to keep your car keys and wallet at night is near your bed.

00:19:07Stay safe out there.

00:19:09Wait, can you hear that?

00:19:13Sounds like someone's knocking on your door, and you aren't expecting anyone.

00:19:17Well, maybe that's just your neighbor come to ask for some garden tools again.

00:19:22You get up to go downstairs, but then you hear the noise of metal scratching in the

00:19:26keyhole.

00:19:27You stop, frozen in fear.

00:19:30Seconds later, you can hear the door clicking.

00:19:33The problem is that you live alone.

00:19:35First, let's make sure there really is someone in the house, but you should be very quiet

00:19:41in case there's a burglar.

00:19:42Look outside the house to search for traces.

00:19:45Can you see anything suspicious?

00:19:47Is there an unknown vehicle close to your house?

00:19:50Maybe you can spot some footsteps or a broken window.

00:19:53Was the fence gate open?

00:19:55There might also be hints inside the house, but be careful if you're looking for them.

00:20:00Make sure you can't be seen.

00:20:02Maybe there's some lights off that are usually on, or maybe there's some mud on the floor

00:20:06that wasn't there before.

00:20:09Listen carefully to the sounds.

00:20:12Maybe you can hear some footsteps or movement, or the creak of a door.

00:20:16Wait, did you hear it?

00:20:18Looks like someone bumped into your tea table.

00:20:20Okay, it looks like there really is someone in your house.

00:20:24So your next step is to try to get out of the house to be safe.

00:20:28If it's possible, leave altogether.

00:20:31Both the front door or the back door, or even a window works.

00:20:35If it's a bit risky, you might want to try and escape.

00:20:38An injury is nothing compared with your life.

00:20:42If escaping is not an option, then lock yourself somewhere.

00:20:46Bedrooms are usually the first rooms burglars check because that's where most people keep

00:20:50their valuables.

00:20:52So it's better to stay away from them.

00:20:54Still, if there's no other way, bedroom's better than nothing.

00:20:58Lock it and pretend you're asleep.

00:21:00But if you can, then better hide somewhere else.

00:21:03The bathroom is a great choice because it's usually not of interest to burglars.

00:21:08Now stay quiet.

00:21:10The burglar probably won't spend more than 10 minutes in your house.

00:21:13If the intruder doesn't find you're inside, you'll avoid confrontation.

00:21:18The most important thing is you staying safe.

00:21:21So don't move or make any noise.

00:21:24As soon as you're safe and hidden, call the police immediately.

00:21:27Remember, when calling them, always give your location first.

00:21:32In case something happens and you're not able to finish your conversation, at least

00:21:36they'll know where to go.

00:21:38If you can do it without being noticed, try to study the intruder as carefully as you

00:21:42can.

00:21:44Make sure to remember their height, body type, the way of walking, hair color, race,

00:21:49gender, age, and any other specific details you might notice.

00:21:54Anything you can spot will be helpful.

00:21:56If you can look outside and see the vehicle, remember its brand, color, and the license

00:22:01plate number.

00:22:02Then wait again.

00:22:04Just freeze and never leave the place you've chosen until the burglar leaves or the authorities

00:22:09arrive and help you out.

00:22:12Burglars don't go to any random house.

00:22:15They don't want to be noticed, so they choose their target very carefully.

00:22:19And you can make it so they don't pick yours.

00:22:22Make your house an open space.

00:22:24The greenery makes the house harder to observe, so burglars pick those houses that have the

00:22:29most of it.

00:22:30Make sure to trim all the shrubbery that hides windows and doors.

00:22:34Turn on the lights as soon as it's dark every day of the year.

00:22:38Avoid everything – the porches, the driveway, the yard, both the front and the backyard.

00:22:43First, it makes the surroundings more visible, and burglars will prefer to stay away.

00:22:49Second, it makes an impression that there's someone home, and they don't want anyone

00:22:53to be there when they break in.

00:22:56Lock all the doors and windows.

00:22:58People forget to close their bathroom window, and burglars know it very well.

00:23:03There should never be a way in.

00:23:05Don't leave any secret way to enter the house in case you forget your keys.

00:23:09If you know about such a way, so do burglars.

00:23:13If you have any trees too close to your house, cut the branches so it's not possible to

00:23:17climb it and get into any of the windows.

00:23:20Keep all of your tools and store ladders in a locked garage.

00:23:24Don't ever keep them lying around when you don't use them, because they can all be

00:23:28used to break into your house.

00:23:31If you have any spare keys hidden in random places outside the house, better give one

00:23:35to a neighbor you trust.

00:23:37When you move into a new house or apartment, change the locks if possible.

00:23:42Make sure that your doors look modern and reliable.

00:23:46Old and bad doors that are easy to crack attract burglars.

00:23:50Don't throw away copies of documents or unnecessary checks just like that.

00:23:55Burglars can check your trash to learn more about you.

00:23:58So shred documents into itty-bitty pieces before you throw them away.

00:24:03Don't leave boxes from a new plasma TV, expensive phone, laptop, or gold watch near

00:24:08your house.

00:24:09Don't show anybody that you're well-off.

00:24:12Make sure that the house number is clearly displayed and can be easily noticed.

00:24:16This way, the authorities or any other help will be able to find your house way faster.

00:24:22Even if you have security cameras installed, they don't guarantee that your house won't

00:24:27become a target.

00:24:28The cameras are helpful when finding the robber after everything's happened, but they don't

00:24:33prevent any action.

00:24:35Many robberies happen when people are away for some holiday, so the burglars shouldn't

00:24:40find out you're not going to be home for a long time.

00:24:42Whenever you leave, make it look like you're actually home.

00:24:46Tell your neighbors you're leaving.

00:24:48Ask them to keep an eye out on your house and check it from time to time.

00:24:52To check if there's someone currently living in the house, burglars often check the mail.

00:24:57If the mailbox is full, it means there's no one living there right now.

00:25:01Ask your neighbor to collect the mail for you and clean the porch from ads and newspapers.

00:25:07Burglars may also leave marks on your house.

00:25:09For example, they can put a thin strip cut from a plastic bottle into the doorway.

00:25:14If it stays on the door for one or two days, this tells the burglar that there is no one

00:25:19at home.

00:25:20So, ask your neighbor to check these things out too.

00:25:23Ask them to park their car occasionally in front of your house for a while.

00:25:27This will give an impression that you have visitors.

00:25:30Still, if the house stands quiet for days, it's obvious there's no one living there

00:25:35currently.

00:25:36You can set up a timer for lights, radio, or TV so it works a couple of hours a day.

00:25:42If you're leaving for a long time, make arrangements so that your grass is cut and

00:25:46watered, or the snow in front of your house is shoveled.

00:25:50It's a good idea not to post photos from your vacation while you're there.

00:25:55Burglars use social media, and they do their research.

00:25:58It's dangerous even if you have a private account, because burglars can collaborate

00:26:02with tech-savvy criminals.

00:26:04They would break into the accounts of rich people, find out when they were going on vacation,

00:26:09and inform the burglars about it.

00:26:11But before someone breaks into your house, they watch it for a while.

00:26:15They want to know when you're home and when you're not.

00:26:18If you start getting many random calls, it might be a sign that they checked what time

00:26:23of the day you're out.

00:26:25If the light sensors start malfunctioning, check immediately if everything's alright.

00:26:30This doesn't always mean there are problems with electricity.

00:26:33Burglars may cut the wiring.

00:26:36Watch out for doors.

00:26:37If you notice scratches on the lock or it's becoming harder for you to open the door with

00:26:41your key, it might mean that someone tried to break into your house.

00:26:46Change the locks immediately.

00:26:48A break-in starts with a knock on the door.

00:26:50If you happen to be home at the time, it's important to learn how to answer it to scare

00:26:55them away.

00:26:56Always pretend like you're not home alone.

00:26:59You can call out something like,

00:27:00Can anyone answer the door, please?

00:27:03Teach your kids that they should never answer the door or open it to anyone unsupervised.

00:27:18Every year, there are about two and a half million burglaries.

00:27:26That's one every 13 seconds.

00:27:28And the one thing any burglar wants to know all about when targeting your house, you.

00:27:34What valuables you have, what you buy, where you travel, your schedule, any and everything.

00:27:42Your doorbell rings, you answer it, and nobody's on the other side.

00:27:45Before you blame those neighborhood pranksters again, consider this.

00:27:49Someone could be checking to see if you're home.

00:27:52Same goes for any strange calls you get with nobody on the other line.

00:27:56On that note, don't just open the door at any knock or ring.

00:28:01Verify who's on the other side first.

00:28:04If they say they're from your utility company, rental office, or city services, ask them

00:28:08for ID and call the company to get it checked.

00:28:11Even if you have a video doorbell, anybody can buy any uniform these days.

00:28:16Don't go based on looks alone.

00:28:18A seemingly innocent flyer or ad under the doormat can also mean your house is a target.

00:28:23If it's still there the next day, it can make burglars think that nobody's home.

00:28:27Any person who finds some junk mail under their feet will throw it away, right?

00:28:31They have clever ways of finding out if you have an alarm system, what kind of doors and

00:28:35windows you have, if you have a dog, where you like to go on vacation, and so on.

00:28:41If you feel uncomfortable or suspicious about weird questions some stranger asks you, go

00:28:45with your gut and don't overshare.

00:28:48Know that something's not right if somebody's taking pics of your house and car.

00:28:52They might even try to be sneaky about it, like pretending they're taking a selfie, or

00:28:56talking on the phone as they snap the pic.

00:29:00If you don't trust random photographers, stay cool and explain that you don't want them

00:29:04to do it and that it's your private property.

00:29:08Burglars might also stage some accident just to lure you out of your house.

00:29:12A fake utility worker can claim there's a gas or water leak.

00:29:16You leave the room for a couple of minutes, but it's already too late.

00:29:20An experienced burglar can get what they need in as little as 90 seconds.

00:29:26Always validate the identity of strangers showing up like this.

00:29:30Just call your utility provider.

00:29:32Beware if you see some sticker or paint on your door.

00:29:36Sure, these could just be coincidental nuisances, but it can also be a sign that someone wants

00:29:42to mark your house and set it apart from the rest.

00:29:45Get rid of it as soon as you can.

00:29:49Be careful when you sell your car or any other big price items.

00:29:53Delete the ads you posted as soon as you sell it.

00:29:56Many burglars call and pretend to be interested, asking if you still have it.

00:30:01Saying, no, sold it already, will let them know you've just gotten a lot of money.

00:30:07Even if you spent it already, this person might like to break in and find out for themselves.

00:30:13Burglaries are on the rise in your neighborhood, and you have concerns about whether your house

00:30:18might be vulnerable.

00:30:21You have no surveillance system, so tonight you're placing some foil over the front door

00:30:26handle before you go to bed.

00:30:29This will help identify if someone sneakily tries to enter while you sleep.

00:30:35You wake up the next morning, and it appears the foil is slightly ripped.

00:30:40Someone has been here, and they're sure to return.

00:30:45Another option is to put a mug on the doorknob.

00:30:47When the knob turns, the mug will fall, causing a noise to wake you up and hopefully deter

00:30:53the intruder.

00:30:56Your main concern is that a tradesman stopped by recently.

00:31:00He said that he was working next door and asked to use your toilet.

00:31:05You refused and felt bad at the time for being rude, but it was a very smart move.

00:31:12About 60% of burglaries in the USA are made by someone you know or have met before.

00:31:19That tradesman, while going to the bathroom, could have adjusted something in your house

00:31:24to make their return entry a little easier.

00:31:26They may have wanted to take a closer look at what security system is installed, check

00:31:30the structural integrity of your home, and found out what valuable loot you might have.

00:31:37Finally, today you're going on vacation.

00:31:40You need to prepare your house and make it as safe as possible.

00:31:45A full postbox is the first thing a robber will look for in a target.

00:31:49Your neighbor will need to take your mail while you're away.

00:31:54A well-manicured property is a clear sign that you are always there.

00:31:58You've always kept your lawn mown and hedges trimmed, so you will need to arrange for someone

00:32:03to do this while you're away.

00:32:05If it was winter, any untouched snow around your house would also make it a target.

00:32:12Having a neighbor make pretend footprints that show recent activity will also provide

00:32:17a deterrent.

00:32:19There are many types of hedges that act as a great first defense.

00:32:23Luckily, you have sharp-leaved shrubs along your fences.

00:32:28If someone jumps into your property and lands on a sharp or spiky bush, they will immediately

00:32:33cry out in discomfort.

00:32:35This will alert your neighbors of an intruder.

00:32:40And the foliage will also catch fragments of clothing that could be used as evidence

00:32:44later.

00:32:47In preparation for your trip the week before, you opened and closed your curtains at random

00:32:52times throughout the day.

00:32:55You made sure there were no clear patterns, so it won't matter if they're left open

00:32:59while you're away, just in case someone was scouting your property.

00:33:05Burglars spend several days walking or driving through neighborhoods, identifying the behaviors

00:33:10of each house.

00:33:13One thing they don't really like is a neighborhood watch.

00:33:17Burglars do their research before they start scouting and will avoid these areas, something

00:33:21for you to organize when you get back.

00:33:25Now, move all your expensive electronics away from the windows so there's nothing of value

00:33:31in clear view.

00:33:32Put them inside a cupboard or a concealed room.

00:33:37Don't worry about TVs, they're too large and take effort to move.

00:33:41The criminals are more interested in the smaller devices, like an iPad and gaming devices.

00:33:48Put your small expensive items, like jewelry, in boxes and hide them away in a secret location.

00:33:54Surprisingly, a kid's room is a good spot.

00:33:58Burglars have admitted to never going into them, as there's nothing of value in toys.

00:34:04Take photos of all the serial numbers on your electronic devices and create an inventory

00:34:09for insurance purposes.

00:34:12Ninety-five percent of break-ins are done by force, so it's time to reinforce your windows and doors.

00:34:20You can make it even more difficult for the crooks.

00:34:23Remove all stools, chairs, and ladders in the backyard and put them into your garage.

00:34:28Otherwise, they will help provide easier access points to higher entrances, like the air conditioner box.

00:34:37This is one of their favorites.

00:34:38Without a way to reinforce it, it's easy to tear off and creates an entrance.

00:34:43Don't make it easier for them with a step-up.

00:34:48Burglars can break down a weak door within one minute.

00:34:51Install a metal frame instead of wood for more support.

00:34:55The hinges and lock should have adequate strength to withstand being kicked long enough until

00:35:00they give up.

00:35:03If the lock is the remaining weak spot, this can easily be kicked by an experienced thief.

00:35:09A simple protection lock that holds it in place will make sure it won't budge.

00:35:15The hinges on your garage door swing outwards, which makes it vulnerable and can be accessed

00:35:20by taking the pins out of the hinges.

00:35:23Replace them with tamper-proof pins so they can't be removed.

00:35:29And lastly, the garage overhead door is one of the first places a burglar looks to access.

00:35:34They don't have a lock that fully secures them.

00:35:38Attach a padlock on the latch connecting it to the track, holding it in place.

00:35:44Your garage door doesn't have this option, so drill a hole in the track just above one

00:35:50of the rollers and attach a padlock.

00:35:54Burglars and robbers are scared of dogs, the territorial and loyal guardians of the house.

00:35:59A survey found that most houses burgled didn't have dogs because thieves don't want to draw

00:36:04attention during a heist.

00:36:08Unfortunately, you don't own one.

00:36:10But just placing a dog bowl outside the front door will discourage them.

00:36:17Burglars have adapted their craft with technology.

00:36:20Four out of five criminals use social media like Facebook, Twitter, and Google Maps to

00:36:25find their targets.

00:36:28Even sharing a photo with a house key in it is enough for a burglar to create their own

00:36:33key by zooming in and taking the exact measurements.

00:36:39Make sure your wireless network is secure and use a new, much stronger password while

00:36:44away.

00:36:45You're not only vulnerable to physical objects being stolen.

00:36:50Valuable data like passwords and access codes can be taken through your network.

00:36:55And there's also the threat of infecting devices through malicious malware.

00:37:01You can also remove the vision of your house completely from Google Maps.

00:37:06Type in your home address, find the street view of your residence, press the options

00:37:11button and select Report a Problem.

00:37:16You'll be taken to a screen with an image of your home with the option to move a red

00:37:20square to cover your property.

00:37:25Request it to be blurred under the option My Home and enter your exact address.

00:37:30It will only take a couple of days to be processed.

00:37:35Don't leave the radio on while away.

00:37:38It won't help.

00:37:39Through the burglar's method of scouting houses, they take note of radio and TV sounds.

00:37:46When they return, they check if they're still on, which just makes it easier to confirm

00:37:51that no one's home.

00:37:54An alternative option to show active presence at home is by making your own audio, something

00:38:00that plays ambient noises randomly throughout the day with footsteps, conversations and

00:38:06a dog barking.

00:38:09Leaving your lights on is also not a good idea.

00:38:12Someone spying will notice your house easier, especially at night, and you'll be further

00:38:17robbed on your electricity bill.

00:38:21You're just about ready to leave on your vacation and need to take the trash out.

00:38:26If you have some large boxes, break them down so they can fit inside the bin.

00:38:31Hide any clues about what valuables you recently received.

00:38:37Last check, all the doors are locked and no windows are left open.

00:38:41Now you can finally enjoy your trip.

00:38:45But as you enjoy yourself in your picturesque location, leave any snaps on your phone while

00:38:51you're over there and post them online only when you return.

00:38:56If you do share your photos while you're away, it will have made all your preparations pointless.

00:39:02Every criminal in the area will know you're not home.

00:39:08But with 2.5 million houses burgled annually in the USA, a house without a modern security

00:39:14system is 300% more likely to be broken into.

00:39:18When you get back from your break, it will be a great idea to install one.

00:39:24You park your car in a dark alley, lock it and leave it for just a couple of minutes

00:39:28to go grab a coffee.

00:39:30When you come back, your beloved vehicle is no longer there.

00:39:34A siren sounds.

00:39:36Oh wait, that was the alarm.

00:39:39Phew!

00:39:40Luckily, that was all just a dream and you can help it to never come true.

00:39:46First of all, you can install a steering wheel lock in your car.

00:39:49It can either be a long metal rod stretched over the steering wheel or a chain lock connected

00:39:54to the seatbelt buckle.

00:39:56Both options are good to slow down the bad guys that might break into your vehicle.

00:40:01But don't make it 100% thief proof.

00:40:04The thieves can just cut the steering wheel or even the lock, so you need to add some

00:40:09extra layers of protection to be sure.

00:40:13Criminals like to use gadgets that catch signals and help them steal cars without a key.

00:40:18For example, if the car is parked in a garage of a private house or under the windows of

00:40:23a multi-story building, the keys are accessible through the radio device.

00:40:29Thieves can easily intercept the signal and the owners of the car won't notice anything.

00:40:35To protect your keys from relay attacks when they're stored at home, use something metallic.

00:40:40You can simply wrap the keys in foil to block the radio signals or keep them in a safe metal

00:40:46box.

00:40:48Park in areas that are well lit and have security cameras.

00:40:52Building entrances and parking lots are your best choice.

00:40:56An isolated garage isn't always the best idea because it could put you personally at

00:41:01risk.

00:41:02So if you do park in one of those, stay close to the attendant or where security cameras

00:41:07can see you.

00:41:09Keep the wheels turned towards the curb whenever you park.

00:41:13It will make it way harder for thieves to try to tow the auto with a tow truck.

00:41:18To steal a car, a criminal will have to make some extra maneuvers.

00:41:22It takes time and effort and can demotivate the bad guys.

00:41:27In many cases, it's not your car the bad guys are after.

00:41:30It's that shiny new laptop you dropped in the front seat or your designer purse that

00:41:35looks like it's stuffed with valuables.

00:41:38Things like that are hard to resist and often lead to a break-in.

00:41:42So take an extra moment to hide your belongings in the trunk and your vehicle will be less

00:41:47tempting for criminals.

00:41:50Don't just jump out of the car, even if it's literally for a moment to buy something.

00:41:55If you need to get out, always stop the engine first, close the windows and lock the doors.

00:42:03Storing your vehicle registration in the car is a good way to make the lives of thieves

00:42:07easier.

00:42:09They can present it to police officers in case they get pulled over.

00:42:13Your insurance information and VIN can help them get new keys to unlock the car no problem.

00:42:19If you aren't the only person using the car, find some secret place to hide the registration

00:42:24and only tell the people you trust 100% about it.

00:42:28You can also take a photo of your title registration and insurance information and store them on

00:42:33your smartphone.

00:42:35Another option is to make copies of those important docs and keep them with you.

00:42:41Mark your windshields, windows and mirrors with a VIN number, which is the identification

00:42:46number of the vehicle.

00:42:48This service won't cost you a lot but will demotivate the bad guys.

00:42:51They'll have to spend money to change the marked glass and they will think twice if

00:42:56they want to invest in your vehicle.

00:42:59You can also play spy and leave marks on different parts of the car with an invisible pen or

00:43:05cover it in micro dots with your ID details.

00:43:09This won't stop thieves but it will make it easier to track the vehicle if it gets

00:43:13stolen.

00:43:15If you know that you'll have to leave the car somewhere new and you don't feel like

00:43:19it's a safe place, hide an old switched-on phone or tablet in it.

00:43:24Make sure you have a way to track it, then the Find My Phone feature will help you locate

00:43:29the phone and the car in a matter of seconds.

00:43:32You can either get a cheap data plan for real-time tracking or rely on GPS.

00:43:37It should work even without a SIM card.

00:43:41Protect your side mirrors from thieves with special covers.

00:43:44You can find models that come with locks made from anti-cut materials.

00:43:49The cover will also protect your side mirrors from scratches and scruffs and extend their

00:43:54lifespan.

00:43:55Plus, you can go creative and choose covers with your favorite team's logo or something

00:43:59else that's important to you.

00:44:01Not a bad idea to customize your vehicle on a budget, right?

00:44:06Car thieves use different schemes to distract your attention.

00:44:09A piece of paper stuck to the rear-view window, a plastic bottle over the wheel, or a shirt

00:44:14on the trunk of your car.

00:44:16These and other small things will likely get you out of the car.

00:44:20The bad guys can also pretend to be nice and helpful and to tell you to pull over because

00:44:25there's something under your car.

00:44:27The idea here is, again, to get you out of your car and let them steal it.

00:44:32So instead of going out, close the windows, lock the car doors, and don't go out if there's

00:44:37someone suspicious hanging around.

00:44:42Criminals aren't the only bad guys who can do your vehicle harm.

00:44:46Harsh winter weather can be a problem too.

00:44:49If you don't want to find your wipers stuck to the windshield and scrape them off every

00:44:54morning, leave them up when you're not driving.

00:44:58You probably heard it's a bad idea because it ruins the arm spring and can tempt someone

00:45:04to steal your wipers.

00:45:06Don't worry, the springs don't lose their elasticity, and there aren't really many people who are

00:45:12after your wiper blades.

00:45:15In case you forget to put the wipers up and find them safely stuck to your windshield,

00:45:20try running the AC.

00:45:22Cold air will defrost the windows just like warm air.

00:45:26And it works by dehumidifying the air.

00:45:30If your lock is frozen and you can't get inside your own car, treat it with some hand sanitizer.

00:45:37That substance can melt the ice without a problem.

00:45:42To prevent your windshield from getting frosty, mix 3 parts vinegar and 1 part water and spray

00:45:48that solution on the windows overnight.

00:45:51It'll save you some scraping time in the morning.

00:45:56Always keep your gas tank more than half full in cold weather.

00:46:01Moist air will be happy to fill any empty space above the fuel in your tank.

00:46:07And that air will condense to water in the cold.

00:46:10Water is denser than gasoline, so it settles at the bottom of your tank.

00:46:16When enough of it accumulates, it'll go through the fuel line to the engine.

00:46:20And that's not really good.

00:46:24To protect your favorite car from rust, wash your vehicle regularly.

00:46:29Something as simple as that can be the difference because dirt damages the protective layer

00:46:34of clear coat and paint and makes it easier for rust to sneak in.

00:46:40Don't forget to wash the undercarriage of the car and the wheel wells.

00:46:44Make sure the car paint isn't chipping or peeling.

00:46:48You need that layer to protect your vehicle from the elements.

00:46:51In the cold season, salt from the road can also cause some rust spots.

00:46:57To avoid that, you should at least rinse the car every week, even in the winter.

00:47:04And don't forget to wax it at least twice a year.

00:47:08That's another good way to keep your paint looking good as new and protect it from UV

00:47:14rays.

00:47:15One more thing is to keep the inside of the car clean.

00:47:19If you spill something inside, always mop up the liquid.

00:47:23You don't want it to seep further and hit the metal parts.

00:47:27This is exactly how rust forms.

00:47:30You've probably heard that when a burglar decides which house to target, they start

00:47:36by casing it.

00:47:37This means that they watch the owners, find out information about their routine, and determine

00:47:42the best time for entering their home.

00:47:44By the time they're ready to commit the crime, they already know for sure when there

00:47:48won't be anybody inside or when the owners will be distracted.

00:47:53One of the tricks thieves use to gather information about your routine is so simple that you may

00:47:58not even give it a second thought.

00:48:00But the next time you hear a quiet crackle under the sole of your shoe, stop and check

00:48:05what it was.

00:48:06The chances are high that you'll find yourself face-to-face with a crushed cookie.

00:48:11If that's the case, it's your clue that something has gone terribly wrong.

00:48:16The thing is, this is a rather effective tool criminals use to find out if you've left

00:48:20on a trip or when exactly you come home in the evening.

00:48:23A cookie is such an innocent object that people don't usually give it much thought, if they

00:48:28even notice it at all.

00:48:30You arrive home, step on the cookie, make it crumble, and automatically reveal all your

00:48:35secrets to burglars.

00:48:37They know for sure if the house is lived in and can also figure out the schedule of

00:48:41its owners.

00:48:42Things get even worse if you're away from home.

00:48:45The cookie under the doormat remains whole, thus alerting criminals that the house is

00:48:50perfect for a break-in.

00:48:51So, if you find some treats under your doormat, that's pretty bad news.

00:48:56Someone is interested in your house and watching it.

00:48:59It might be a good idea to notify the police or take some safety measures.

00:49:04The ploy with a cookie is just one of the numerous tricks used by burglars.

00:49:08One more sign that can alert you to the fact that you're being watched is white pebbles

00:49:13left near the house or in the driveway.

00:49:15This means that a criminal has already visited your home and marked it as worth entering.

00:49:21Another reason why thieves may have left the pebbles is to indicate that your house stays

00:49:25empty during the day.

00:49:27So, if you're walking along the street and notice a USB flash drive sticking out of a

00:49:32curb or a wall, don't get confused.

00:49:35You have most likely stumbled across a dead drop.

00:49:38Despite its ominous name, this is a global art project that has borrowed some tricks

00:49:43from the world of spies and espionage.

00:49:46Lots of people who know about this project are happy to be able to put on their black

00:49:50coat and dark sunglasses and go to swap confidential information with others.

00:49:55The thing is that many decades ago, spies had their own ways to exchange secret materials.

00:50:00There was a live drop when spies met in person, but this was often extremely dangerous.

00:50:06That's why a dead drop system was invented.

00:50:09In this case, some loose bricks in a wall in an alleyway hid important documents that

00:50:14had to be picked up later.

00:50:16Nowadays, there are more than 1,500 dead drops all over the world, and the accumulated data

00:50:21on these flash drives reaches 10 terabytes.

00:50:25You can come across a dead drop on any continent you visit, except Antarctica, maybe because

00:50:30there aren't so many walls there.

00:50:32So, if you find one, what do you do with it?

00:50:35First of all, it's highly inadvisable to connect random USB flash drives to your computer.

00:50:41You never know what viruses are lurking there looking forward to destroying your hard drive

00:50:45content.

00:50:46And while risk is a part of the game, don't overdo it.

00:50:50If you're 100% sure that you want to play, secure your computer as well as you can, or

00:50:55even better.

00:50:56Secondly, you can't even guess what information will be waiting for you on a flash drive.

00:51:02Anyone can download videos, photos, or text files, and this has already led to several

00:51:07problems.

00:51:08Speaking of which, have you got a parcel with a USB stick in it?

00:51:12Whatever you decide to do with it, don't plug the flash drive in.

00:51:16Such cases have been more and more frequent in Australia.

00:51:19The police warn people that hackers have invented a new tactic.

00:51:23They drop unmarked memory sticks to letterboxes.

00:51:26It'll probably come as no surprise that these devices contain malware able to mess

00:51:31up your computer.

00:51:32They evidently rely on human curiosity and, in all honesty, it pays off.

00:51:38People can't fight an inexplicable desire to check the contents of a mysterious gift.

00:51:44As a result, almost half of USB sticks received by post get plugged in.

00:51:49After that, people start having serious problems with their laptops and computers.

00:51:54For example, fraudulent media begins to stream service offers, or computer viruses harm files

00:52:00and programs on a PC.

00:52:01So no touching the free flash drive, ok?

00:52:05Now you leave a shopping mall, your office, an airport, and go to the parking lot to find

00:52:10your car.

00:52:11You unlock it and put the key in the ignition.

00:52:14When you're about to start your vehicle and drive away, you see something strange on your

00:52:18windshield.

00:52:19Is that a $100 bill wrapped around your wiper?

00:52:22Oh, you could certainly find a way to spend this unexpected gift.

00:52:27But do you really think someone accidentally put money on your windshield and forgot all

00:52:31about it?

00:52:32Beware, this is nothing but a ruse.

00:52:35Because…

00:52:36As soon as you get out of your car to get a closer look at this mysterious banknote,

00:52:41the owner of the banknote will take action.

00:52:43They will get into your car and drive off at a record-breaking speed.

00:52:47Let's admit that no one would turn off their ignition and take their belongings with them

00:52:52if they got out of their car to check the windshield for a C-note.

00:52:56As a result, in under a minute, you'll lose your car, your wallet, and your documents,

00:53:01and you'll be left stranded in the parking lot.

00:53:03People have recently started to find some article of clothing, like a shirt for instance,

00:53:08lying on their windshield or wrapped up in their wipers.

00:53:11If you ever happen to be one of these people, don't fall into this trap, and don't try

00:53:15to remove the object.

00:53:17Just get in your car and drive away as fast as you can from the place you were parked.

00:53:22This seemingly misplaced garment is actually a new con being used by muggers and thieves.

00:53:27It works like this.

00:53:29If you see some random piece of clothing that prevents your wipers from moving or obscures

00:53:33your view, your first reaction will be to remove it, of course.

00:53:37But while you're distracted untying it or trying to get it off, the criminal has plenty

00:53:42of time to jump you.

00:53:44The most common place for this sort of scam is parking garages.

00:53:48They're usually badly lit and pretty deserted, which means there are few witnesses around

00:53:52and plenty of dark spaces for the attacker to lie in wait.

00:53:57If one day you come home and notice some graffiti or markings on your door or house, call the

00:54:02police immediately.

00:54:04Even if it just looks like a teenage prank or a simple scratch, it's better to be safe

00:54:08than sorry because burglars use certain marks to tell other criminals different things about

00:54:14your house.

00:54:15For example, something resembling a Roman numeral 2 means that the homeowners are rich,

00:54:21so the place is a great target.

00:54:23On the other hand, a crossed circle tells other burglars that there's nothing valuable

00:54:27to take from the house.

00:54:29Hmm, kinda makes you want to mark your own house like that.

00:54:32Now, a long horizontal rectangle divided into four parts means the place has a big aggressive

00:54:37guard dog.

00:54:39A triangle divided into two parts by a vertical line tells criminals to hit the place only

00:54:44at night, while a reversed one says that a house or apartment is free after dinner.

00:54:50And something looking like a combined A and K lets their fellow burglars know that the

00:54:54house is always full of people.

00:54:57Hey, did you know there's even a fraternity for burglars who love to steal desserts named

00:55:02Iota Grab-a-Pie?

00:55:03Sorry, I made that up.

00:55:06A new trick being used by car thieves, and that's the trick with a coin.

00:55:10They slip it into the space between the door and the door handle.

00:55:14When a car owner thinks they've locked the door with a remote, the vehicle is, in fact,

00:55:18still open.

00:55:19The coin prevents the lock on one of the doors from working.

00:55:22As soon as the owner walks away from the car, the thief has no problems at all opening the

00:55:27door and driving away.

00:55:30Another trick.

00:55:31As soon as there's some public gathering, a big party, or even a busy day at the mall,

00:55:36car thieves make an announcement over the PA system that a particular car, chosen by

00:55:40them of course, has blocked their vehicle in and they can't leave.

00:55:45As soon as the owner comes out to move his car, a group of guys start to act.

00:55:49They assume, and for good reason, that the person is carrying the key to his car.

00:55:55You check into your hotel room, connect to Wi-Fi, jump on the bed, and post 15 photos

00:56:00of your new window view.

00:56:02When the initial surge of excitement is gone, you notice a suspicious blinking light on

00:56:07your big TV.

00:56:09Could it be that someone is watching you?

00:56:11Or have you just seen too many spy movies?

00:56:14Well, hidden cameras come in all shapes and sizes.

00:56:18Large ones are easy to spot, but the small ones can be really sneaky and inconspicuous.

00:56:24They can be hiding behind furniture, in decorations, or vents, and anywhere else you'll have trouble

00:56:30noticing.

00:56:31There are even special cameras that can be hidden in everyday movable objects, like alarm

00:56:36clocks, picture frames, vases, and lamps.

00:56:40Check to see if these objects are facing at a strange angle, or if they're positioned

00:56:45to get the best view of your room or bathroom.

00:56:49The easiest way to spot a hidden cam is to look for the lens reflection, because all

00:56:54cameras come with lenses.

00:56:56Turn off the lights and slowly scan the room with a flashlight, laser pointer, or a special

00:57:02wireless spy cam detector.

00:57:04It comes with infrared scanning lights and one illuminating light.

00:57:08When you find a reflective red spot, you gotta turn on the flashlight to help check if there

00:57:13is a hidden camera.

00:57:15Definitely check the vents along with any other holes and gaps in the walls or ceiling.

00:57:20Some advanced detectors even show you what the camera is seeing, making it way easier

00:57:25to spot and disable.

00:57:27The detectors only work on cameras that are turned on and working normally though.

00:57:34Your mobile phone can also help you find some hidden threats.

00:57:39Turn on Bluetooth and walk around, see if any unknown devices pop up on the screen.

00:57:44Another idea is to install a network scanner app that shows all devices that are connected

00:57:50to the Wi-Fi network you're using at the hotel.

00:57:53When it's done scanning, study the list for devices called something like IP camera or cam.

00:58:01Plus you can put your phone on selfie mode, turn off the light and close the curtains

00:58:06and look around the room slowly while focusing on the screen.

00:58:10Keep an eye out for purple or white lights on the screen.

00:58:15You can play detective some more and call your friend or family member and start walking

00:58:20around your room.

00:58:22Some cameras should emit a sort of radio frequency, it will most likely interfere with

00:58:27your phone call signal.

00:58:30If you start hearing any weird noises while you're on the phone in a certain area of

00:58:34your room, make sure to inspect it carefully.

00:58:38Check out the light switches, electrical outlets, lamps and other objects you normally wouldn't

00:58:44pay attention to.

00:58:45If they look a bit crooked, have a hole or seem misplaced, it could be a sign that someone

00:58:51tampered with them.

00:58:53Many spy devices need wires and whoever installed them had to hide those wires, often behind

00:58:59the vinyl baseboard.

00:59:01That's why the place where the floor and the wall meet is another area you should check.

00:59:06Ridges, bumps or discoloration could be a sign there's a microphone hiding there.

00:59:12The same goes for spots on ceilings and walls, even if they're not larger than a coin.

00:59:19If you do find a hidden camera or something looking suspicious, don't shy away and let

00:59:24the hotel administration or your booking service know about it.

00:59:29Don't try to touch or move the device yourself.

00:59:31If the hotel denies everything, contact local law enforcement.

00:59:37After you've scanned the room for cameras, check out the mirrors.

00:59:41Someone could be watching you from the other side.

00:59:44First, see if the mirror is built into the wall or can be adjusted.

00:59:49If the mirror is semi-transparent, it will be built into the wall.

00:59:53You can do a simple test to check the mirror.

00:59:56Press your fingertip against the glass and push firmly enough to leave a fingerprint

01:00:01as you move your finger away.

01:00:04Study the fingerprint.

01:00:05If there's a small gap between the print and the mirror where the glass should be,

01:00:10then it's just a mirror.

01:00:12On a semi-transparent mirror, there will be no gap.

01:00:17Another way to check if your mirror is semi-transparent is simply to tap the glass.

01:00:22If someone is watching you from the other side, the mirror will make an empty sound.

01:00:27A double mirror needs a brighter light on the other side than on yours.

01:00:32Get close to it and cup your hands around your eyes.

01:00:35Do you see some light behind the mirror?

01:00:38If so, you might have an unwanted audience.

01:00:42Before you leave your room or go to bed, make sure every door is securely locked.

01:00:47By every door, I mean not only the entrance to the room but also the door leading to the

01:00:52terrace if you have one.

01:00:55You can bring a portable door lock with you for extra security if you're staying in.

01:00:59You could also start a little DIY project and wrap a belt or a bag strap around the

01:01:05arm that pushes the door shut.

01:01:08Buckle it up and wrap it around several times for an extra layer of protection.

01:01:14Another idea for when you're about to nap or go to sleep is to build a pyramid of stuff

01:01:19by the door.

01:01:21Glasses and mugs will do perfectly.

01:01:23If someone tries to get inside while you're sleeping, there'll be some serious noise.

01:01:29Intruders prefer to keep it low-key, so they're highly likely to give up on robbing you straight

01:01:34away.

01:01:36If you travel with some valuables and don't feel comfortable leaving them around the room,

01:01:40you could put them in the safe inside your room.

01:01:43But because those safes use passcodes instead of physical locks, someone from the hotel

01:01:48has to know the master code to unlock it, just in case.

01:01:52So you can bring your own safe with you instead.

01:01:55You can find the ones looking like books on Amazon, for example.

01:01:59They're made of strong metal and textured paper.

01:02:02They come with a combination lock and have enough room to fit your passports, cash, and

01:02:07jewelry.

01:02:09In case you have to leave your laptop in the room and want to make sure no one plugs in

01:02:13a USB drive to steal your data, here's what you can do.

01:02:18Leave a bottle of water or some other item next to the USB port.

01:02:22Measure the distance.

01:02:23Let's say it's one thumb-length away.

01:02:27For someone to plug in their device in the laptop, they need to move the bottle.

01:02:31You can take it one step further and drop a pen parallel to the laptop under a certain

01:02:37angle.

01:02:38You can measure the angle with your smartwatch or phone using the Compass app.

01:02:43Again, if someone moves it, you'll know.

01:02:47Even something as simple as a Please Do Not Disturb sign can help you figure out if someone

01:02:53entered your room while you were away.

01:02:56Make it look like you left in a rush and the sign accidentally stuck between the door and

01:03:00the doorframe.

01:03:01If you come back and the sign is hanging freely, then someone must have ignored it

01:03:06and tried to disturb you.

01:03:08In that case, you can contact reception and ask to send someone to enter the room with

01:03:13you to keep you safe.

01:03:16If you care about the cleanliness of your room as much as you do about your belongings

01:03:20and your personal safety, this one's for you.

01:03:25Real housekeeping workers normally have up to 20 rooms to take care of on an 8-hour shift.

01:03:31It means they'll have no more than 30 minutes for your room.

01:03:35It gives them enough time to make the bed, clean the floors in the room, and the bathroom,

01:03:40empty the trash bins, and dust all surfaces.

01:03:44But they rarely have the time to take care of smaller objects like light switches, door

01:03:49and drawer handles, and remotes.

01:03:52And yes, these are exactly the objects you'll be in contact with the most.

01:03:57They can actually have more germs than the toilet.

01:04:00So if you want to be sure those germs won't land on your hands, bring enough antibacterial

01:04:06wipes to clean all those things before you touch them.

01:04:09Ah, you're off on holiday for the weekend, lucky you!

01:04:13When you come back, you discover the power has been turned off.

01:04:17So how long was the power off?

01:04:19Did you keep the food that was in there or throw it out?

01:04:22Well, here's a simple trick.

01:04:24Before you leave home, fill a cup with water and put it in the freezer.

01:04:28When it's frozen, place a coin on top and return it to the freezer.

01:04:33If you find a coin at the bottom of the cup when you come back after a long or even a

01:04:37short holiday, you should throw away all the food immediately.

01:04:41It means that the power was off long enough for your food to melt and refreeze.

01:04:46If the coin is on top, it means there was no power failure and your food is safe.

01:04:52Depending on how long it's been in there, of course.

01:04:54If the coin is in the middle of the cup, it means that the power went out for a short

01:04:58time only.

01:05:00Most of your food items are probably still fresh.

01:05:03As the old saying goes, if in doubt, throw it out.

01:05:06It's not worth the risk to your health.

01:05:09So how long can food stay in your freezer?

01:05:12It depends on what it is.

01:05:14Is it fish, chicken, beef, or vegetable?

01:05:17If it's a fruity ice block, you can probably leave that in there until the next decade

01:05:21– though I wouldn't recommend it.

01:05:23May as well have it now while we're going through your freezer.

01:05:26It all depends on its size and, most importantly, the actual temperature.

01:05:31Just in case you're not sure, we'll simply stick to averages.

01:05:35According to the official resources on food safety, if your freezer is at 0°F or below,

01:05:41Bacon and sausage can last from 1 to 2 months, same with ham.

01:05:46Hamburger meats and ground poultry can last from 3 to 4 months.

01:05:50Fresh beef, veal, lamb, and pork will be good from 4 to 12 months.

01:05:55For many items, the exact period depends on whether they're fresh or cooked or vacuum-sealed.

01:06:01Fresh chicken and turkey can last from 9 months to a year.

01:06:05Fatty fish is good for 2 to 3 months, while lean fish like haddock lasts 6 to 8 months.

01:06:11Keep that lobster out altogether – it's not recommended to freeze it.

01:06:15Some pies, such as custard pie, don't freeze well, so I'll eat that now.

01:06:20But a cooked quiche will last up to 3 months.

01:06:24Soups and stews are good for between 2 and 6 months, and leftovers like chicken nuggets

01:06:28or pizza can last over a month, but it's better just to refrigerate them for the next

01:06:33day.

01:06:34Now, let's move on to the great outdoors.

01:06:38The cold has remarkable powers to preserve stuff.

01:06:41You've no doubt heard of one of the world's most famous mummies, who may or may not have

01:06:46been a daddy, but was certainly a man.

01:06:49The Iceman was found in the Austrian Alps in 1991 after being frozen for about 5,000

01:06:55years.

01:06:56I'm guessing that's past his best-of-use-by date.

01:07:00One of his nicknames is Frozen Fritz.

01:07:02There are several theories as to how he ended up there, but he may have been in a battle.

01:07:07He had most likely eaten right before, as his stomach was full.

01:07:12Scientists could even tell what his last meal was, and it wasn't vegetarian.

01:07:21Several years ago, scientists thawed an 18,000-year-old puppy in the Russian permafrost.

01:07:26It's a rare find as it was so well-preserved.

01:07:29It was definitely a male, and yet they were unable to determine whether it was a dog or

01:07:34a wolf.

01:07:36Researchers are still collecting data on the evolution of modern dogs.

01:07:40Our ancient ancestors had more than just dogs running around.

01:07:44They also had to worry about cave lions.

01:07:47Two baby lions were found in the Sakha Republic in Russia in 2015.

01:07:51The scientists later established they were between 25,000 and 55,000 years old.

01:07:57They also concluded that cubs were the closest extinct relative of present-day lions.

01:08:03They're known as cave lions, thanks to cave drawings by ancient humans.

01:08:09A prehistoric squirrel was found under the permafrost in Alaska.

01:08:13It's believed to be a staggering 1.8 to 2.5 million years old.

01:08:18Its relatives are still alive today.

01:08:21They first appeared in North America around 10 million years ago.

01:08:24Gold prospectors in the Yukon Territory found several of them along with uncovered nests.

01:08:30These are great finds for scientists who have learned much from studying the plants

01:08:34and seeds in these nests, including how other animals, like bison, survived in the cold.

01:08:40One miner found what he thought was an egg.

01:08:42He donated it to the Canadian Museum of Nature.

01:08:45An X-ray revealed it was actually a 40,000-year-old preserved squirrel that had been frozen in

01:08:51the hibernation position.

01:08:55Also in Yukon, in 2003, researchers found the remains of a horse.

01:09:00It turned out to be 700,000 years old, which makes it the oldest ancient DNA ever recovered

01:09:06in the world.

01:09:07Before the discovery, the oldest genome was from a polar bear that was 120,000 years old.

01:09:13It proved that horses are much older than originally believed, and also that DNA can

01:09:18survive for an incredible amount of time, thanks to the right freezing conditions.

01:09:24One more before we move on to people.

01:09:26A baby mammoth was discovered in 2007 by accident by a reindeer hunter on the frozen peninsula

01:09:32in Russia.

01:09:33It's said to be over 41,000 years old.

01:09:36They named the baby Luba, and it now resides in a nearby museum.

01:09:42There have been several major traffic jams in recent times where many people got stuck

01:09:47in their vehicles during icy conditions and were this close to freezing.

01:09:51In January 2022, hundreds of motorists were forced to spend the night in their vehicles

01:09:57on an interstate in Virginia.

01:09:59There was another one in Japan in December 2020, where more than 1,000 vehicles were

01:10:04stranded on a highway for two days after a heavy snowstorm.

01:10:08Rescuers had to remove some people, and I never heard whether they checked their stomachs

01:10:12for what they ate last.

01:10:15If you're unlucky to find yourself in your car in a snowstorm, here are some handy tips.

01:10:21If you're able, run your car for 10 minutes every hour.

01:10:24If you leave it on the whole time, you'll run out of gas soon enough.

01:10:2810 minutes should be enough to warm yourself and keep the engine from freezing up.

01:10:33While the car is running, you can charge your phone.

01:10:35You should also lower your window occasionally just to ventilate the car.

01:10:39Stay in your car so that others can get to you.

01:10:42No matter how cold it gets, it will always be colder outside.

01:10:46Of course, the best thing to do would be to ensure your car has plenty of gas, that you've

01:10:51stocked up on food and drink supplies just in case, and that you have a battery backup

01:10:56for your phone.

01:10:57An emergency blanket is a great idea too.

01:11:00Hopefully, you'll never have to use it, but it's better to have one.

01:11:04We recommend keeping an eye on weather alerts before you venture out in the first place.

01:11:10Have you ever put something unusual in your freezer, like a frozen squirrel?

01:11:14Nah, just kidding.

01:11:16Some people use it as a safe to store money.

01:11:18Some have stored documents in there, perhaps to hide from burglars or prying eyes, or simply

01:11:23in case of fire.

01:11:25Not a bad idea.

01:11:26Is this where frozen assets come from?

01:11:31Some fishermen keep the bait in their freezers.

01:11:33Well, it's better than in the refrigerator alongside mom's apple pie.

01:11:37Some creative guys store their clothing in the freezer to eliminate moths or any potential

01:11:42lice.

01:11:43They even believe it's a better alternative to washing clothes.

01:11:46While it's a reasonable idea in theory, sort of, your average household kitchen freezers

01:11:52do not get cold enough to exterminate bacteria.

01:11:55For that, it's gotta be minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

01:11:59Besides, would you really want to eat a sausage that's been stored next to your dirty socks?

01:12:07Mmm.

01:12:10Let's crack a burglar's coat.

01:12:11Tape on the door handle or a slice of cheese on the car's hood.

01:12:15And many more can be signs that you're being watched by a crook.

01:12:21Burglars don't just pick a house randomly and rob it.

01:12:24They'll often monitor the home before they take action.

01:12:26They want to know more about the house and its security.

01:12:30They leave markings on the home, garage door, post box, or storage unit.

01:12:34Get to know these markings and know what they symbolize, and you'll be able to better protect

01:12:38your home from the bad guys.

01:12:42If you see a circle drawn, that means in the eyes of the thieves, your house is a piece

01:12:46of cake to rob.

01:12:48Maybe it has no home security system set up, yet a barred circle means to avoid entry.

01:12:53Maybe the home has high-tech alarms, CCTV cameras, or a dog.

01:12:59Ladder-like lines means there are valuables visible in the home, so there are items in

01:13:03the house worth stealing.

01:13:05If someone sprays the letter M in the garbage, that means empty in the morning, and N refers

01:13:10to empty at night.

01:13:12Police forces have issued warnings about the code, but keep in mind that some of these

01:13:16signs are actually harmless messages used by road workers to communicate about pipelines

01:13:21and so on.

01:13:24If you see some evidence of key bumping, don't enter the house.

01:13:28Key bumping is a technique where burglars use a similar key made with a heavier metal

01:13:33than the pins, to file down the pins on the inside of the lock.

01:13:37Plus, victims may encounter some problems while claiming insurance in such cases, because

01:13:42this technique may leave no sign of forced entry on the outside of the lock.

01:13:47You're being robbed, and you can't prove it to the insurance company.

01:13:50Sounds like a nightmare.

01:13:53Lock picking is a less forceful technique.

01:13:56This one will leave marks on the doorknob, such as light scratches around the lock, but

01:14:00the real signs will be found on the inside of the lock on the pins.

01:14:04They'll have dents.

01:14:06Key scrapes or marks on your doorknob can also indicate that someone has entered your

01:14:10home.

01:14:11Thieves sometimes use screwdrivers to break the pins in the lock.

01:14:15If you see deep scratches, marks, or a widening of the keyhole, be careful when you get inside.

01:14:22Thieves may stick a tape, and it's usually a see-through one, on the door handle.

01:14:26Suppose the tape is still there a day or so later.

01:14:29The squatters believe that the owner is away since the door hasn't been used.

01:14:33This strategy has become alarmingly prominent in Dublin.

01:14:37The police warned people to be vigilant and remove any tape immediately after seeing it.

01:14:43Some of these markings are left by dog thieves, signaling that your home has a money-wise

01:14:48worthy breed to steal.

01:14:50Supposedly, red chalk marks are for large dogs, and yellow and pink marks refer to medium

01:14:55and small dogs.

01:14:56The police advise dog owners to keep their eyes open around their properties, and report

01:15:01any such instances to the police.

01:15:04Lastly, pay extra attention when walking their pets.

01:15:09One of the keys to being safe at a house is having good security and knowing your property.

01:15:14For instance, if your front door locks are still responsive but function slowly, it may

01:15:19be a sign of a burglar attempt.

01:15:22This might be because of a tactic called the vulnerability method.

01:15:27Thieves make the door lock weaker with time.

01:15:29They use tools or objects to deteriorate the lock without leaving any traces.

01:15:35You may think your lock is old and simply postpone calling a locksmith, but that would

01:15:40be a huge mistake.

01:15:42Similarly, the key might turn inside the lock with delay.

01:15:47If it's harder to turn inside, this is usually the first sign of an attempted break-in.

01:15:51So, this is probably the most important warning sign you should take into consideration.

01:15:57Even security door locks are vulnerable to break-ins.

01:16:02Did you know that in Churchill, Canada, locals keep their car doors unlocked?

01:16:06They don't do this to invite the thieves, but to survive a potential polar bear attack.

01:16:12The town has the largest number of polar bears in the world.

01:16:15Imagine a resident faced with a polar bear and another person's car is nearby.

01:16:20They can quickly shelter inside that car.

01:16:24How about learning some safety tips to avoid purse snatching?

01:16:27Firstly, don't carry a shoulder bag over your shoulder.

01:16:30I know, I know, it's what the bag is designed for, but this makes it easier for a thief

01:16:35to grab your bag.

01:16:36For example, carrying a small clutch-type handbag underneath your arm is safer.

01:16:42Shopping with someone else is safer than shopping alone.

01:16:45On shopping days and in general, don't carry more money than you would possibly need for

01:16:49all your credit cards in the same purse.

01:16:52Carry only what you need for the day.

01:16:54You might think it's just for a sec, but don't leave your purse in shopping carts

01:16:58or on counters.

01:17:01And there's the matter of scams.

01:17:04When you believe you can't be scammed, you might let yourself be more vulnerable to scammers.

01:17:09Scams target everyone from all backgrounds, ages, and incomes.

01:17:13They can catch you off guard and when you're not expecting it, using new technologies,

01:17:17products, or even services to hook you to either give them your money or personal details.

01:17:23How to be scam-proof?

01:17:24Firstly, keep in mind that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

01:17:29Secondly, don't respond to calls about your computer asking for remote access, even if

01:17:34they mention a well-known company.

01:17:36Scammers will often ask you to turn on your computer to fix a problem or install a free

01:17:40upgrade.

01:17:42This is actually a virus to get your passwords and personal details.

01:17:45Lastly, pay attention to unusual payment requests.

01:17:50Scammers will often ask you to use an unusual payment method like a pre-loaded debit card,

01:17:55gift card, or iTunes card.

01:17:58A carjacker and a slice of cheese.

01:18:01What connection can there be?

01:18:03Imagine you walk to your car and see melted cheese on the engine cap.

01:18:07You initially thought that it was probably some kind of a prank, so you begin to clean

01:18:11the cheese.

01:18:12Naturally, it takes ages under the hot sun.

01:18:15Pay attention to your surroundings.

01:18:17Someone might be watching you from a distance and waiting for the right time.

01:18:21They can just jump into your car and run away while you're not looking at the driver's door.

01:18:25Busy cleaning the cheese near the passenger side.

01:18:29Did you know that you might have an extra key in your car?

01:18:32Some cars have valet keys hidden under the owner's manual or in the tool kit in the trunk.

01:18:38If your car has that spare pair, take it out immediately.

01:18:42If you know where it is, thieves will know it too.

01:18:44Plus, don't think you have a perfect hiding spot for your spare keys.

01:18:48Car thieves know where to look.

01:18:51For example, some people hide the extra key under the bumper or beneath the floor mat.

01:18:56Thieves routinely check those places as well.

01:19:00Speaking of car theft, now might be a good time to talk about the habits and strategies

01:19:05of car burglars.

01:19:06They don't really go for wide open and visible locations like in front of houses and driveways.

01:19:12Dark and secluded places such as apartment buildings, carports and underground parking

01:19:16garages appeal to them because it's quieter.

01:19:19He could hear if somebody was coming.

01:19:22Have you heard of vehicle identification number aka VIN?

01:19:27This is a unique number for every car out there.

01:19:30You can engrave the VIN on your car windows.

01:19:33This makes your car less valuable on the black market for its parts.

01:19:37Plus, changing the car windows costs quite a lot, so crooks try to avoid such cars.

01:19:42Overall, it's better not to be an inviting easy target.

01:19:46So, do you have some real-life stories about all these?

01:19:55Oops, another burglary in the US has just occurred.

01:19:59Wait another 22.6 seconds and there will be another one.

01:20:03Hey, no need to worry about your property.

01:20:06Forewarned, forearmed.

01:20:08Let's explore a few tips on how to protect your house.

01:20:13A mere sticker can contribute a lot to your house's safety.

01:20:17For instance, you can use a sticker that says you have a home security system, even if in

01:20:22reality you don't.

01:20:23It may not sound convincing enough, but still, burglars prefer not to mess with such houses.

01:20:29Just one more tip here.

01:20:30Make sure the sticker looks true to life, so a makeshift sign won't do.

01:20:35It's better to fork out some money and grab a real-looking sticker.

01:20:41Another smart trick is to leave a pair of really large shoes on the porch, so that the

01:20:45burglars could clearly see them.

01:20:48It will make them think someone big and dangerous lives there, and they won't fancy meeting

01:20:52them.

01:20:56Right, now let's inspect your door.

01:20:58I hope you don't leave the keys under the doormat.

01:21:01The only things you can leave under the mat are the cookies or chips.

01:21:05This is a fun way to see if someone was visiting you while you were away.

01:21:08However, the trick doesn't give you a 100% guarantee.

01:21:12It might be a mailman, a delivery guy who got the wrong door, or even a random dog hanging

01:21:17around your porch.

01:21:18Yeah, cookies feel better in your stomach, not under the doormat.

01:21:23Ok, you're back home from work, it was a tough day, and you're tired.

01:21:29You leave the keys in the keyhole and completely forget about it.

01:21:32Right, the main thing is that you've locked the door and the keys are inside, but who

01:21:37said there is no burglar in the bushes targeting your house?

01:21:40Technically, it might be impossible to insert a dupe and get in if there's a key in the

01:21:45keyhole, but these guys are well equipped and have a whole assortment of hooks to lure

01:21:50the key out.

01:21:51You know what happens next.

01:21:53They can seep into your house as silently as ninjas and grab all your valuables while

01:21:58you're peacefully sleeping.

01:22:00A lock that can only be closed from the inside and can't be opened from the outside seems

01:22:04like a good solution.

01:22:09When moving to a new place, even if you didn't buy it, but rent it, make sure to change the

01:22:14locks.

01:22:15Who knows how many copies of those keys there are?

01:22:17As for renting, you never know who lived there before you moved in.

01:22:20Also, if for some reason you accidentally left your keys in the front door for some

01:22:25time, the best thing to do is to change the lock.

01:22:28Yeah, probably nothing bad will happen, but still, it's better to play it safe.

01:22:34Plus, not only should you stop leaving the keys in the door, but you also shouldn't

01:22:40leave them on display.

01:22:42Maybe it's better to bring the keys to the living room instead of keeping them near the

01:22:45front door.

01:22:46Sometimes, burglars can use not only your door, but your window too.

01:22:55Especially if you throw away some pricey stuff packaging.

01:22:59Don't let the thieves know what you purchased and how much you paid for it.

01:23:02Also, your trash may contain some essential information about your personal data, credit

01:23:07card details, and so much more.

01:23:13Keep an eye on your mailbox.

01:23:15Make sure you have a lock on it.

01:23:17Thing is, burglars may be quite interested in your mail contents, so the secret is simple.

01:23:22Keep the mailbox locked and make sure you shred any personal data related papers.

01:23:29Now let's inspect your front lawn.

01:23:31Hey, I can see something compromising.

01:23:34I'm talking about these large bushes.

01:23:36Yeah, I know, you don't have time to trim them.

01:23:39The larger they get, the more space there is for the burglars to hide.

01:23:42Plus, if someone sees untrimmed shrubs and trees in the front yard, they might think

01:23:47nobody's home.

01:23:48You see the point, right?

01:23:52Okay, let's say you ignored all the previous tips and burglars broke into your house.

01:23:57The most interesting thing for them is surely cash.

01:24:01If you don't have any cash at home, you can skip this tip.

01:24:05But if you have valuables, get creative.

01:24:08Cash can be stuffed into a plastic bag and hidden in a large container with some leftovers.

01:24:13Also, you can place that plastic bag into an old detergent bottle you keep in the storeroom

01:24:18or the kitchen.

01:24:20Burglars aren't likely to look for your stash there.

01:24:23A couple of don'ts here.

01:24:26Hiding cash or jewels in a prescription pills container isn't that smart.

01:24:30And yeah, a freezer isn't the best option either.

01:24:33Many burglars like to check it in the first place.

01:24:39Time to see if you keep your keys right.

01:24:41If you keep your car and house keys together, you might want to reconsider it.

01:24:46First off, imagine you lose them and burglars somehow know where you live.

01:24:50Not only will they grab what they want, but they'll also have a vehicle to transport all

01:24:55your hard-earned belongings.

01:24:59Keep an eye on your garage keys, especially if it's possible to sneak into your house

01:25:04through your garage.

01:25:06Even if it isn't, who said there are no valuables in the garage?

01:25:10However, there are no limits whatsoever for burglars.

01:25:14They can sneak into houses even through small windows.

01:25:18The reason why they prefer doors is that it's the safest way, while squeezing through the

01:25:23window can get scratches and it's not that they don't want to spoil their looks.

01:25:27The thing is, if they leave their DNA, they can be traced.

01:25:31However, crooks are careful about not leaving their traces.

01:25:35For instance, a report from England claims only about 3% of burglars leave forensic evidence.

01:25:44To protect yourself at night, there are several options.

01:25:47Number one, insert a large paper clip or a bobby pin inside the keyhole.

01:25:53You can use a spare pair of keys if you have them.

01:25:55This way, you'll make it extremely hard, if not impossible, for the burglars to use the

01:26:00key dupes.

01:26:02Number two, barricading is an option.

01:26:04It can be a heavy chair, a bookshelf, you name it.

01:26:07I mean, why not if it makes you feel safe?

01:26:13If your door opens outwardly, a jammer could do a great job for you.

01:26:17A chair can be super handy.

01:26:19Secure it under the doorknob.

01:26:21It's not the most powerful security system, but at least it does its job.

01:26:25Binding the doorknobs or handles together can be an option too.

01:26:32A dummy security camera can protect you during the day and night.

01:26:36Again, burglars are not as fearless as they may seem.

01:26:39If you have a real CCTV, make sure the crooks don't deactivate it.

01:26:43So place it in some hard-to-get place.

01:26:49If you're ready to fork out some money for protection, then the motion sensor light is

01:26:52exactly what you need.

01:26:54Crooks like dim spots, and once they approach your place, they'll be frightened off by the

01:26:59bright light.

01:27:00This solution works as long as the burglars know you're home.

01:27:03In case they're sure you're away, it's way less efficient.

01:27:09TV and radio timers are another trick.

01:27:12With their help, you can imitate your home even if you're not.

01:27:15A perfect match for the motion sensor light.

01:27:18This trick can help outsmart some burglars, but again, it doesn't give a 100% guarantee.

01:27:24Some of them aren't afraid to break in even if the TV's on.

01:27:30What about live alarm systems?

01:27:32This can be real or fake too.

01:27:35I'm talking about dogs.

01:27:37Remember the trick with the boots?

01:27:39You can do the same with a dog if you don't have one.

01:27:42Leave a large bowl on the porch, but make sure it all looks real.

01:27:45I mean, the bowl should not look untouched and brand new.

01:27:50Hey, do you know all your neighbors?

01:27:54If not, it's high time you baked some cookies and visited them to know them better.

01:27:58First, the crooks don't really like to operate in areas where few people know each other

01:28:03and care for each other.

01:28:05This way, their chances of being spotted and reported are extremely high.

01:28:10So a sort-of-neighborhood watch is a perfect way to protect your house.

01:28:14And who knows, find new friends.

01:28:18Did you know that most break-ins take place in the middle of the day?

01:28:22The FBI says burglaries happen midday because people are outside the house.

01:28:28Don't let your home be an easy mark for theft.

01:28:32Here are 10 tips to protect your home and some security items you might need along the

01:28:37way.

01:28:39Number one on our list is portable door locks.

01:28:43They aren't just designed for regular houses.

01:28:46Let's say you stay in a rented house, where other guests also come and go.

01:28:52You can carry one of these portable locks with you.

01:28:56Many rooms have secondary locking mechanisms besides the regular lock, like security chains

01:29:01attached to the door, but you shouldn't always rely on them.

01:29:06These mechanisms are only held by screws.

01:29:08It means they're easy to dislocate.

01:29:12There are many portable lock models, so what should you look for?

01:29:17Ease of use is the key for installation and removal in case of emergency.

01:29:22Most inward swing doors are suitable for these items.

01:29:26Adalock is a good example.

01:29:28You can find it on Amazon.

01:29:30It's fairly inexpensive, has a versatile design, and most importantly, comes in one piece.

01:29:36It takes seconds to upgrade your safety.

01:29:39You insert the claws into the door strike plate and then close the door.

01:29:43It'll be held in position with a handle.

01:29:45There you go.

01:29:48Burglars don't hang out in your house or bother stealing heavy stuff like TVs.

01:29:53They want to get in and out in under 10 minutes.

01:29:57What you should do is take some precautions to slow them down.

01:30:02Laminated glass is great for this.

01:30:04You should consider investing in it.

01:30:07Normal windows that are made with tempered glass can shatter easily, but laminated windows

01:30:12are like shields.

01:30:14They can crack but not break apart.

01:30:17Instead of making smashing noises and grabbing attention, the burglar will probably leave.

01:30:22The structure of laminated glass is different from the regular one.

01:30:26It holds the piece intact even after a strong impact.

01:30:31Laminated glass windows are 100 times stiffer and 5 times more durable than standard.

01:30:38What makes these types of glass so special?

01:30:41Firstly, it's made with layers.

01:30:43There are two layers of glass, and there's a vinyl material in between that helps keep

01:30:48the two layers intact.

01:30:51As a bonus, laminated ones have a soundproofing feature.

01:30:55Two birds with one stone.

01:31:01The interlayer absorbs some of the outside noise.

01:31:04It's glass after all.

01:31:06Aren't we going to see the vinyl layer?

01:31:08That might be the question that popped into your head.

01:31:11Nope, laminated glass is transparent, just like other types.

01:31:16Enjoy the crystal clear views while staying safe.

01:31:19I would say, but unfortunately, it's expensive to get these specifically manufactured burglar

01:31:24deterrent glasses.

01:31:26You can have professionals install a laminate film onto your standard windows, or you can

01:31:31even buy security film.

01:31:33They all work according to the same principle, but obviously, these alternatives cannot be

01:31:38as strong as the laminated glass itself.

01:31:42The next few tips come from an ex-burglar, Michael Fraser.

01:31:46Now he's giving bits of advice on how to protect from theft.

01:31:51His first tip is quite interesting.

01:31:54Just put a beware of the dog sticker if you have a dog.

01:31:58If a dog can walk around the house without triggering the alarm, so can a human.

01:32:03This is the way burglars think.

01:32:05Plus, many dogs get friendly in a short time, unless they're specifically trained to catch

01:32:11strangers.

01:32:12Otherwise, they can easily be put in a room, and well, you know the rest.

01:32:17Bye bye to precious items.

01:32:19Advertising your house for sale online is a standard procedure to attract potential

01:32:24buyers, but also thieves.

01:32:27With your innocent picks, burglars can have floor plans with virtual tours.

01:32:32They can easily spot the entry and escape routes.

01:32:35Sounds like a perfect plan to rob a house.

01:32:39Number five is buying a home security system.

01:32:42It helps prevent thefts and notifies you if that happens.

01:32:47According to the data, homes without a security system are almost three times more vulnerable

01:32:51to break-ins.

01:32:53There are numerous ones to choose from.

01:32:55Some are pricey, but luckily, there are affordable options too.

01:33:00You don't even have to call professionals.

01:33:02This do-it-yourself security system from Amazon is an example of a budget-friendly gadget

01:33:07with useful features.

01:33:09These types of devices are designed to be easy to install.

01:33:13You'll be guided through an app for the software and for the product itself.

01:33:17Bonus, you won't have to deal with screws, tools, or drilling.

01:33:21They have fast emergency dispatch that can notify the authorities if you say so.

01:33:26Since it's easy to set up, it's perfect for short-term residents too.

01:33:31Remember I mentioned that if a dog can walk in the house, so can a thief?

01:33:35Well, technology is not in favor of thieves.

01:33:39These types of devices can now detect intruders and be friends with your pet.

01:33:44The sensors can be put in the window, doors, and corners, but still be adjusted to avoid

01:33:49fake alarms by the pets.

01:33:53Another device to add a layer of protection to you, especially in shared residences like

01:33:58dorms, is a doorstop alarm.

01:34:01These devices are very compact, so you can put them in your luggage and take them on

01:34:06your dream vacation.

01:34:07You can use it in your daily life.

01:34:09A doorstop alarm can be used on any door as long as you place it inside.

01:34:14It works as a door wedge, but it keeps the door closed.

01:34:18How does it work?

01:34:19When the alarm is triggered, it will keep the intruder outside the door and activate

01:34:23a noise alarm.

01:34:24It can wake the owner of the house or neighbors.

01:34:27This one, again, can be easily found on Amazon.

01:34:32Ex-burglar Michael also recommends thinking like a thief.

01:34:36Ask yourself, how would I get in?

01:34:38It's a great starting exercise for discovering vulnerable spots.

01:34:43Walk around your home.

01:34:44Is there a window that can be easily opened?

01:34:47Oh wait, is it your laptop on the desk that can be seen from the street?

01:34:51Speaking of the street, if you buy a new electronic device like a TV or a computer, don't leave

01:34:58the empty cartons displayed near the trash container.

01:35:01This looks like an invitation to thieves.

01:35:04They will know that you have expensive electronics inside the house.

01:35:09Instead, break down the cardboard boxes and then put them away for recycling.

01:35:14Unfortunately, first floor windows are entry points in 23% of home break-ins.

01:35:21To prevent this, you can purchase a wireless alarm kit.

01:35:25When it comes to the front door, installing a double-key deadbolt can be a solution.

01:35:31Similarly, motion sensor lighting does the job.

01:35:35Do you have blind spots around your home?

01:35:38Upgrade to a security camera with night vision.

01:35:40If you want to see what's happening inside your house rather than outside, you can get

01:35:45one of these cool security gadgets.

01:35:48Orbi Robotic Mobile Sphere is like a ball, but it has a camera inserted in it.

01:35:53It doesn't have a limited view.

01:35:55Imagine, you're at the office and want to play with your dog.

01:35:59Your four-pawed best friend can chase the ball at home while you're away controlling

01:36:03the device.

01:36:04Ah, okay, we're here to save your house from burglars, so I'll leave fun pet toys

01:36:08for another video.

01:36:11Here is a shocking truth about fences.

01:36:13Most people believe that fences are like guardians protecting their property.

01:36:18Sorry to break it to you, but even tall and solid ones aren't as secure as you believe.

01:36:23The number one rule of a thief is not to be caught.

01:36:26And if they broke into a house with fences at night, they'd be perfectly covered.

01:36:32Your neighbors can't see who that person is.

01:36:34You know, unless they have x-ray vision.

01:36:37The fences should be hard to climb.

01:36:39One of the points of having a fence is privacy.

01:36:42But I'm just saying metal, wire, and picket fences are harder for intruders to fly in.

01:36:46So, we cracked the burglar's code.

01:36:50Implementing the tips on our list might help you discourage and prevent burglary and keep

01:36:54you safe.

01:36:56Have you experienced such unpleasant incidents?

01:36:58If so, do you have any other tips for fellow brightsiders to watch out for?

01:37:05When a stranger asks you to take a picture of them and gives you a phone, don't rush

01:37:09to take it.

01:37:10Look at them first.

01:37:11If he or she looks suspicious or unfriendly, it's better to refuse the request nicely.

01:37:17Maybe it's a fraud.

01:37:19They give you the phone, you turn on the camera and see that it's broken.

01:37:22The image in the photo is damaged.

01:37:25You give the stranger their phone back and they accuse you of breaking the phone.

01:37:28They demand money and behave aggressively.

01:37:31In such a situation, it's better not to panic and not be provoked.

01:37:36Calmly leave.

01:37:37Make it clear that you won't fall for this.

01:37:39And if they behave too aggressively, then call the police.

01:37:43You're walking down the street and a man or woman in dirty clothes runs up to you.

01:37:48They pretend to be homeless and behave like they're in a hurry.

01:37:51They show you a strange coin and say they found it in a basement of an old house.

01:37:55The stranger says the coin is a very rare specimen and is worth thousands of dollars.

01:38:00You take a photo of the coin and find out information about it on the internet.

01:38:04And it turns out to be true.

01:38:05The coin is expensive.

01:38:07The homeless person can't sell it for that kind of money because no one will believe

01:38:11them.

01:38:12They offer to give the coin to you for a few hundred bucks.

01:38:14The offer seems profitable, but it's a hoax.

01:38:17The stranger offers you a fake that costs no more than a couple of dollars.

01:38:21They pretend to be poor and homeless to make their story seem realistic.

01:38:25Refuse the purchase and call the police.

01:38:27This guy can trick other people too.

01:38:30Thieves can put an advertising flyer, a newspaper, or a sticker on the door of your house or

01:38:34apartment.

01:38:35In the doorway, you can find a piece of paper or a thin strip from a plastic bottle.

01:38:40If you don't remove one of these items for a long time, then the thieves understand that

01:38:43you're not at home.

01:38:45This way, thieves mark buildings and apartments that are easy to get into.

01:38:49After all, getting into an empty apartment is much safer.

01:38:53So as soon as you see a foreign object, immediately get rid of it.

01:38:56If a flyer or bookmark hangs on the door for one or two days, it tells the thief that no

01:39:01one's home.

01:39:02Of course, these can be real advertising stickers, but you still don't need them.

01:39:06In addition to flyers, they may be strange labels on the house or apartment door.

01:39:10Numbers, crosses, or other symbols.

01:39:13This is how robbers mark houses they're about to break in.

01:39:16If you see such a sign, it's better to call the police.

01:39:20You're approaching your car and see a shirt or a piece of cloth wrapped around the wiper.

01:39:24At this moment, don't try to remove it.

01:39:27Calmly get into the car, look around, and drive away from this place.

01:39:31Then when you have changed the location, you can safely take off the cloth.

01:39:35The fact is that the scammers tie the fabric on the wipers on purpose and as tightly as

01:39:40possible.

01:39:41If you're messing around with the shirt and try to take it off, they can get into your

01:39:44car and drive away or even jump you from behind.

01:39:48You arrive at the supermarket, stop in the parking lot, and get out of the car.

01:39:53At this moment, another, more expensive car stops nearby.

01:39:56A neat and wealthy-looking man comes out of there and asks you for some money for gas.

01:40:01He says that his phone's run out of juice, he forgot his wallet at home, and he urgently

01:40:06needs to refill his tank.

01:40:08He promises to send you the money as soon as he gets to the phone.

01:40:12Don't give him money, he's a fraud.

01:40:14It might seem he really needs help and will definitely return the money because he looks

01:40:18like an honest and decent person, but most likely, his car is rented and his clothes

01:40:23are cheap.

01:40:24During the day, he drives around the city and asks to borrow money for the gas from

01:40:28different drivers, counting on their sympathy.

01:40:30By the end of the day, he accumulates a large amount and doesn't return it.

01:40:34You walk down the street and see a beautiful coin or a phone lying on the ground.

01:40:39Don't pick it up.

01:40:40It's well-glued to the asphalt.

01:40:42You will not be able to lift it on the first attempt.

01:40:44You will start trying to take the object off the ground, and while you're at it, the scammer

01:40:48will run past and grab your bag.

01:40:50Such a clever trick resembles cheese in a mouse trap.

01:40:54In movies, we often see how thieves feed a dog to make it friendly during a house robbery,

01:40:58or they add sleeping pills to dog food.

01:41:01In reality, everything is much more unpleasant.

01:41:04Thieves can steal your dog to make it easier to rob the house.

01:41:07Of course, if the dog is missing, it doesn't always mean someone wants to rob you.

01:41:11However, if this happens, then you need to be on your guard.

01:41:15Robbers and thieves spend a lot of time on social networks.

01:41:19Don't rush to post photos from your vacation in another country.

01:41:23When you do this, you basically shout to the whole world,

01:41:25Look how far away I am from my house!

01:41:28It's better to wait until you get home and only then upload the photos.

01:41:32Also, there are cases when thieves collaborate with mobile scammers.

01:41:36They got access to the social pages of some people to find out when they were going on

01:41:40vacation.

01:41:41Then, they reported the information to the real robbers.

01:41:45You're driving home from work and suddenly notice you're almost out of gas.

01:41:49That's weird because you recently filled a full tank.

01:41:52You go to the gas station and to the car repair center to check if there is a gas leak in

01:41:56the vehicle.

01:41:57Meanwhile, robbers can take things out of your house.

01:42:00They deliberately drain the fuel from your car so that you go to the gas station.

01:42:04They detain you and buy time to clean out your home.

01:42:07If you're sure that you refueled recently and the gas was drained from you,

01:42:11then you should call your neighbors and ask them to monitor your house or apartment.

01:42:17If you regularly use cleaning services for your house,

01:42:20then you should be alerted by the appearance of a new cleaner.

01:42:24Every time a cleaner is replaced, the cleaning company should warn you about it.

01:42:28If this didn't happen, check for yourself.

01:42:30Call and find out all about the new cleaner.

01:42:33If they have new information about the new employer,

01:42:35then probably the thief wants to get into your apartment and inspect it for valuables.

01:42:40Call the police and don't let the cleaner inside the house.

01:42:44Also, thieves can pretend to be plumbers, doctors, or social workers.

01:42:48Demand the necessary documents from them before letting these people into your home.

01:42:52They can be nice and sociable, but while you're talking to them,

01:42:56they're observing your house.

01:42:59Don't throw unnecessary documents in the trash.

01:43:02Scammers can check the trash cans.

01:43:04They can find payment receipts, some certificates.

01:43:07It doesn't mean anything to you,

01:43:09but a thief can get information about your ID, earnings, and insurance.

01:43:14Always chop up the documents you throw away.

01:43:18There are many fraudulent ways in which discarded documents can be used.

01:43:23Here are some more tips that will reduce the risk of robbery of your property.

01:43:28Don't leave cardboard boxes from new TV, expensive phones, laptops,

01:43:33or gold watches in the trash can.

01:43:36There's no need to show that you're living well.

01:43:39The advice is not to throw out such garbage near your house.

01:43:43Also, you can cover the boxes with plastic bags so thieves can't see them.

01:43:49If you live in a private house and trees grow next to it,

01:43:52you can cut off the branches stretching to your windows.

01:43:55A thief can easily use them as a ladder.

01:43:58Also, thieves try to avoid houses with plants and flowers growing under the windows,

01:44:04especially if it's roses with thorns or cacti.

01:44:08You can put a Beware of Angry Dogs sticker on the door even if you don't have a pet.

01:44:14No one will want to enter inside.

01:44:16You can even attach a fake CCTV camera.

01:44:20It will also scare robbers away.

01:44:22To prevent a robbery, you can create an illusion that there is always someone in the house

01:44:27even if you have gone on vacation.

01:44:30No need to leave the TV or music on.

01:44:33You can set a special timer that will be turning on the TV for a while every day.

01:44:38There are also special light bulbs with a timer.

01:44:41Let them light up in the house every evening and night for 20-30 minutes while you're away.

01:44:47Thieves often look at filled mailboxes.

01:44:50They see a lot of letters and realize nobody has been home for a long time.

01:44:55Wherever you go on vacation for a while, ask a neighbor to pull out your mail.

01:44:59Or, you can go to the post office and ask not to deliver letters to your mailbox before your arrival.

01:45:20Hidden cameras planted all over the place.

01:45:23For starters, look in the most obvious spots in your hotel room to see if you can find

01:45:27any hidden cameras.

01:45:29According to some experts, if you can't find anything in plain sight, then using your smartphone

01:45:34is enough for a basic sweep.

01:45:36Every camera has a lens, and all lenses reflect light.

01:45:40So a quick way to check for hidden cameras is to close all the curtains in the room and

01:45:44turn off the lights.

01:45:46Use your phone's flashlight to point it at potential places or objects a hidden camera

01:45:50might be at.

01:45:52One of the apparent spots is the smoke detector on the ceiling.

01:45:55Grab a chair and point the light straight at it and try to see if there's any red or

01:45:59blue light reflected.

01:46:01You'll have to do it slowly since the light needs to strike the lens at the correct angle

01:46:05for you to see a reflection.

01:46:07After you're done, move on to other objects like the shower head in the bathroom or an

01:46:12alarm clock or phone charger.

01:46:14Keep in mind the positions of these objects.

01:46:16If the charger is placed where a surveillance camera could be, then investigate it and call

01:46:21the reception.

01:46:23Even a painting in the room can be a potential nest for a hidden camera.

01:46:26Other objects can be lamps, a hole in the wall, or somewhere inside the closet.

01:46:32Another creepy place is the bathroom mirror.

01:46:35This one is tricky to spot, so you'll have to be patient when inspecting it.

01:46:39You can also use your phone camera to spot surveillance cameras that spy on you at night.

01:46:44These secret cameras emit infrared lights that the human eye can't see so that they

01:46:49can work at night.

01:46:51You'll also have to turn off all the lights and put the camera in selfie mode.

01:46:55The rear-facing camera on most smartphones has an infrared filter, but the front one

01:46:59doesn't.

01:47:00You can try pointing a TV remote at the front-facing camera and press on any of the buttons to

01:47:05see it yourself.

01:47:06If you see a bright red light on your screen, that means it's working.

01:47:10All you have to do is move your camera in the dark to see if you can find a bright light

01:47:15around.

01:47:16It'll be good to do a second sweep to make sure you didn't miss anything.

01:47:20Another technique you can use is turning off the Wi-Fi when you enter the hotel room.

01:47:25Most of the cameras are hooked up to the Wi-Fi, so they won't be functioning anymore.

01:47:29If you get a call from the reception saying that the Wi-Fi is down in the room, that might

01:47:34be a red flag.

01:47:36There's no reason for them to know if the Wi-Fi was purposely turned off.

01:47:40It could mean that the cameras are on the local Wi-Fi.

01:47:44When you connect to your hotel room Wi-Fi for the first time, be careful about sharing

01:47:48your personal data.

01:47:50Most networks will ask for your login credentials, such as your email.

01:47:54Some people can recreate a Wi-Fi login page that's identical to that of the actual hotel,

01:47:59which can be deceiving.

01:48:01You might be connecting to a Wi-Fi router, but an email is all it takes for some people

01:48:06to know everything about you.

01:48:08One of the best things you can do is download an app that shows you what devices are currently

01:48:13connected to the Wi-Fi that you're using.

01:48:15It can show what smartphone, laptop, smart TV, and in the worst case, hidden cameras

01:48:21are connected.

01:48:22A radio frequency scanner can detect a wireless camera in the room, even if it's connected

01:48:26to its own Wi-Fi.

01:48:28Connecting to the Wi-Fi might be challenging, though, because of many wireless devices overcrowding

01:48:33the airways.

01:48:34You can pick up random signals even if you turn off all your devices and any wireless

01:48:38emitting signals.

01:48:40Intrusion into your personal life can go so far as someone tapping your mobile phone or

01:48:44landline to listen to your conversations.

01:48:48One way of eavesdropping on people's conversations is installing a microphone to a line that

01:48:53sends the audio wirelessly to a recorder from a remote transmitter.

01:48:57Almost anyone can get their hands on such equipment since it's not too expensive to

01:49:01buy and is available in many shops and online.

01:49:05If you notice strange sounds while talking on the phone, like clicking, distant voices,

01:49:10or that sound similar to an old record playing, then chances are someone is listening to your

01:49:15phone calls.

01:49:17These sounds aren't typical for a regular modern cell phone.

01:49:20Most bugging software runs in the background of your phone without you knowing, which drains

01:49:25the battery.

01:49:26There can be many explanations for why your phone battery keeps draining, but some software

01:49:31living on your phone, viruses, and malware will likely be the reason.

01:49:36You can also look out for unusual phone activity when you're not using your gadget.

01:49:41If your notifications keep popping up and you muted them, then maybe your phone is being

01:49:46bugged.

01:49:47In that case, they do not only have access to your phone calls, but your actual phone.

01:49:52They can fish out any picture, video, file, and information you have without you knowing

01:49:57it.

01:49:58If you try powering off your phone and it takes way longer than usual, it can be another

01:50:03sign of someone tracking your phone.

01:50:06For the phone to completely shut down, it needs to log out of all the tasks and activities

01:50:11properly.

01:50:12If your phone is transferring data to someone remotely, it might be the reason for the delay

01:50:16in shutting down.

01:50:18One of the biggest red flags is if you receive text messages that have random symbols and

01:50:23numbers.

01:50:24The ones who tap your phone use some illegal software, which sometimes requires them to

01:50:28receive secret codes.

01:50:30Make sure the text messages aren't something you subscribe to, otherwise contact someone

01:50:35who can help.

01:50:36If you scroll through your apps and notice something that shouldn't be there, or something

01:50:40that looks fishy, the app could be a disguise for a spying app.

01:50:45Also, check for weird history in your browsers for stuff you didn't search.

01:50:50You might notice your phone turning on and off randomly without you touching your phone.

01:50:55And worst of all, they can turn on your phone camera anytime they want without you knowing.

01:51:00If you feel like your phone is tampered with, then you have to factory reset everything.

01:51:05It wipes out all the data, including files, settings, and apps.

01:51:10The same risks apply to your laptop.

01:51:12Every now and then, we all click on something that seems legit even though it acts as an

01:51:17access point for spyware to enter our computer software.

01:51:21Draining battery, overheating, and weird activity are telltale signs of your PC being infected.

01:51:28GPS trackers are the most common ways to track someone's vehicle.

01:51:33It's pretty simple to get the job done, but it's very difficult to find the trackers since

01:51:37they're usually planted deep inside the car.

01:51:41If you ever get the spooky feeling that someone could be watching you while you drive or coincidentally

01:51:46see the same person everywhere you drive your car, then start searching for that tracker.

01:51:52The most common places are underneath the car or near the back wheels.

01:51:56But the person tracking your car is smart and knows what they're doing.

01:51:59They're not going to let you find it that easily.

01:52:02If you find nothing on the outside of your vehicle, then try looking on the inside.

01:52:07If you find something there, it's a clear sign the person tracking you broke into your

01:52:11car and planted the tracking device.

01:52:14Or it could be someone you know who took a ride with you once and slipped it in without

01:52:19you knowing.

01:52:20Check behind the dashboard and within your car's electronics to be sure.

01:52:24Instead of ripping your car apart to find the tracker, you can buy a GPS bug detector.

01:52:30They work by finding electronic frequencies in your car's proximity.

01:52:34They won't block it from tracking you down, but they'll help you find it.

01:52:38Before using it, turn off your smartphone or put it in airplane mode.

01:52:42This way, the frequencies won't intercept with the tracking device.

01:52:46And if you feel like this isn't working, try parking your car in a remote area where nothing

01:52:51is in sight.

01:52:52Even a remote garage would do.

01:52:55Well, anyone else feeling a little paranoid?

01:52:58Let's see some hands!

01:53:00As the famous song says, it's the most wonderful time of the year.

01:53:05Everyone's leaving their homes to go visit their families, and you are one of those people!

01:53:10You take a final look around your house before you head out, lock your door, and leave.

01:53:15But wait!

01:53:16I have an important warning for you!

01:53:20Did you know that statistically, most burglaries happen before the holidays begin?

01:53:25Especially on the 5th, 6th, 11th, 17th, and 18th of December.

01:53:32That shouldn't be too surprising though.

01:53:33By the end of November or the beginning of December, your house starts to fill with brand

01:53:39new presents.

01:53:40Maybe you have bought an expensive necklace for your mother, the latest tech gadget for

01:53:45your father, and a bike for your nephew.

01:53:48These make a small fortune, wouldn't you agree?

01:53:51I can already see the dollar signs in the burglar's eyes!

01:53:56Your home becomes most vulnerable in the late afternoons or early evenings after the sun

01:54:01sets.

01:54:03Burglars act quickly before you come home from work.

01:54:06Weekend evenings are also when the most burglaries are reported.

01:54:10And when you're out at parties or dinners, burglars know they can take their time since

01:54:15it's likely you will be out until late hours.

01:54:19If you're away, then there's no escaping your fate.

01:54:23But there are some precautions you can take to offer fewer clues about your belongings

01:54:28and whereabouts to burglars.

01:54:30And no, they don't involve throwing fake parties with cardboard people.

01:54:35First things first, we always tend to place treats by the window, right?

01:54:40It makes everything feel cozier and there's a certain charm to displaying your wonderfully

01:54:45decorated treat to the people who pass by your street.

01:54:49Well, that's actually a big no-no if you want to keep your place safe.

01:54:54Also, it's not advised to keep your gifts under the tree as well as near the windows

01:54:59or any obvious places for days until it's finally time to open them.

01:55:05Because this will allow burglars to quickly locate these items of value.

01:55:09Seeing the treat is already set from your window might get them to start watching over

01:55:14your house as they wait for you to leave so they can finally break in.

01:55:20Whether you're going to be at home for the holidays or you're going to be away, it will

01:55:24always be a clever idea to put your lights on a timer.

01:55:29If you're going to be on the road, have them turn on during the hours you would normally

01:55:33be home so that your place doesn't appear empty.

01:55:37The timer will also come in handy if you're just going to visit a place for only a few

01:55:42hours.

01:55:44If you're not able to get a timer, you can always leave some lights on to make the house

01:55:48seem somehow occupied.

01:55:51Burglars might eventually realize that there is no one in the house since nobody would

01:55:55be turning them off, but it can still save you some time if you're going on a short vacation.

01:56:01And remember, the cost of leaving the lights on will always be lower than the cost of a

01:56:06break-in.

01:56:08On a related note, if you're one of those people who power their outdoor lights with

01:56:12extensions that go through the windows and connect to the inside of the house, you might

01:56:18want to stop doing that.

01:56:20Since this might prevent windows from being properly closed and secured, it will make

01:56:24it a lot easier for any burglar to break in.

01:56:28Instead, you can always use battery-operated lights.

01:56:33You may be inclined to post photos of your parties, dinners, and gatherings on social

01:56:38media to show your new dress or just how much fun you're having to your followers,

01:56:43but I advise you not to do that.

01:56:46At least wait until the event is over and you're home, because that would be declaring

01:56:51that your home is empty and ready for burglars to break in if anyone is targeting you.

01:56:57The more offline you are, the safer you and your house will be.

01:57:01Even if your social media accounts are set to private, sharing your location, status,

01:57:06and so on might still cause you trouble, because what if the burglar is also a hacker?

01:57:14Having a hidden spare key outside your house comes with benefits when you forget yours

01:57:19at the office or drop them through the elevator holes.

01:57:22However, that will only make the burglar's jobs easier.

01:57:27Even if they don't know where they are, there's a good chance that with a quick search of

01:57:31the usual places people hide their keys, they will be able to find them.

01:57:36What you can do instead is to give them to a trusted neighbor or a friend to keep until

01:57:41you're back and ask them to check your house from time to time, or better, every day.

01:57:48And if you can ask that neighbor or friend if they can pick up your packages while you're

01:57:52away, that will add another layer of protection for your house.

01:57:57Some online orders or mail may not arrive on time, especially during the holidays when

01:58:02the delivery companies get super busy.

01:58:06And if they arrive when you're not home, there's a good chance that the delivery person

01:58:10will just leave them by your door.

01:58:13When the packages and letters keep building up on your porch, they will not only help

01:58:17burglars understand that no one's home, but they can also invite strangers to grab your

01:58:23boxes.

01:58:24To avoid this, you can track them and let your neighbors know when they will arrive.

01:58:29By the way, the same thing goes for any scheduled deliveries such as newspapers, magazines,

01:58:35or bills as well.

01:58:37Before you leave the house, take photos of your valuable items such as jewelry, artwork,

01:58:44and electronic devices, as well as record their models and serial numbers.

01:58:48This will not only help you stop burglars from breaking into your house in any way,

01:58:53but it will also come in handy if they indeed do break in and steal stuff.

01:58:58This way, you will know what's missing from your collection and will be able to show pictures

01:59:03to the police, which in return, will make it easier for them to locate the stolen items.

01:59:10Burglars often look around to try and find a ladder, any garden equipment, or any store

01:59:16tool that will help them break a door or window to get inside your house.

01:59:21That's why you should securely lock stuff like these inside sheds or garages.

01:59:26Once you do that, it will become much harder for the burglars to figure out ways to break

01:59:31things or climb to windows.

01:59:33And while they do that, someone can notice their suspicious activity and make them run

01:59:38away without completing their crime.

01:59:42Even if you're living in a place with hot weather, never ever leave windows open in

01:59:47rooms that you're not using, even if you're at home, and make sure they're all closed

01:59:52tight before leaving the house.

01:59:54You can always use window locks and replace fly screens with security meshes.

02:00:00After the holiday ends, it's important that you don't pile the boxes of your expensive

02:00:05presents outside your house near the trash bin.

02:00:08If you do, the burglars will not only learn what you've received, but will also get

02:00:13tempted to break in.

02:00:14Especially if they see you have an item they want.

02:00:18They might also assume that you will likely replace the stolen item, and this may encourage

02:00:23them to break in for a second time.

02:00:26What you should do instead is to cut the packages before throwing them into the trash, or you

02:00:32can also burn them in the fireplace to keep the house cozy and safe.

02:00:38Last but not least, it's always beneficial to have an intruder alarm no matter what time

02:00:44of year it is, and just having it is not enough.

02:00:48You have to remember to use it.

02:00:50Unfortunately, many people who have an alarm don't bother setting it unless they're going

02:00:55on vacation.

02:00:57Setting your alarm should become a habit.

02:00:59Make sure to use it whenever you go out as well as whenever you come in, since there's

02:01:04always a chance that burglars might break in while you're sleeping in your bed too.

02:01:09So, have you checked all the precautions off your list?

02:01:12Good! Then happy and safe holidays!

Category

Transcript

Recommended