How to outsmart a burglar…from an ex-burglar’s perspective

Burglars are finding it easier than ever to target homes, thanks to technology most homeowners take for granted.

One former offender has revealed the surprisingly simple tricks criminals use to scout properties.

Many people are unknowingly handing burglars the keys to their homes.

Michael Fraser, a former young offender turned security expert, lifted the lid on how criminals now exploit online property listings.

He explained that sites like Rightmove and Zoopla are being used as virtual 'shopping' catalogues.

Video walkthroughs, floorplans, and garden views provide a ready-made blueprint for would-be thieves, he said.

Fraser, who co-presents Beat The Burglar on BBC, argued that property websites should require passwords or verified accounts before granting access to in-depth virtual tours.

The security expert also warned against advertising pets, such as placing a 'beware of the dog' sign outside the home, because it signals to burglars that homeowners likely do not have motion sensors that would set off an alarm.

Homeowners were also making themselves vulnerable through small mistakes, like leaving keys dangling in backdoors, family calendars showing holiday dates, or other visible hints that make a home an easy target.

Fraser recommended closing blinds and curtains when leaving the home to signal security awareness and make it harder for thieves to scout valuables, and never leaving house keys in sight of the front door, as burglars could use a metal rod through the letterbox to hook them in seconds.

Installing a letterbox cage could prevent criminals from reaching inside the home, and cylinder locks should be replaced with deadlocks on doors and windows, which are stronger and more robust and can make burglars less confident in planning a break-in.

Leaving a spare key in a 'safe place' near the front door was another common mistake—about a third of homeowners reportedly did this, according to Toolstation, and burglars are often aware of all the usual hiding spots, such as disturbed soil or slightly moved garden pots.

Fraser advised leaving spare keys with a trusted person instead of hiding them at home, and cautioned against advertising travel plans, whether in person or on social media, as burglars can easily trace locations and identify when homes are empty.

Have you ever considered how much information your home might be giving away to strangers?