If you know what the biggest mistakes are it should be simple to just avoid those and you will be halfway home in preventing a home invasion or burglary. Burglars are opportunists-they respond and act on the laziness and stupidity of the homeowners. I don't mean to sound cruel but…let's be honest-most burglaries are executed by taking advantage of homeowner mistakes.

Let's discuss the BIGGEST MISTAKES:

• The Welcome Sign: That's what I call it. DO NOT put out the welcome mat. Advertise clearly in no uncertain terms that your home is not going to be on their "to do" list today or ever. Start with some signage that you have a security system.

• The Hidden Key Trick: The oldest joke in the book. Leaving an extra key under the mat, under a rock, wherever. The bad guys know all this folks!!

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• The Garage Door: Why do people leave their garage door open two feet? No it is not a trick question. Do you think for one minute that burglars don't see stuff like that? Sure it is HOT outside-better that than to have someone fencing your HOT property.

• No Common Sense: Use a little common sense. Are ladders lying around that the bad guys can use to get to the second floor? Are doors and windows open?

• Lock Bumping: The latest technique for getting into your home undetected. It can be prevented with a simple upgrade in your front door hardware. There are products out there that can block the use of all keys with a simple flick of a switch.

• Not Having A Neighborhood Watch: This is a no brainer. Local police departments can help set it up. It doesn't cost anything except your time and it works. www.usaonwatch.org has all the info you need to get going.

• Having That Gone Away Look: You know what I mean-grass uncut, papers piling up, weeds growing, etc. It is a sure invitation to the bad guys for them to pay you a visit. Let your neighbors and police know when you are going to be gone.

• Leaving Doors And Windows Open: Again this is an open invitation to trouble. Get in the habit of closing and locking all your doors and windows.

• Not Having Some Home Alarms: Window and door alarms as well as personal alarms provide that extra cushion of protection that can be invaluable. 

• Not Having Some Non Lethal Self Defense Weapons: Stun Guns, TASERS, pepper sprays, even telescopic batons scattered throughout the house can be an absolute lifesaver in the event of a home invasion. Of course the idea is to prevent it in the first place, but if it does happen, non-lethal self-defense weapons can save your life.

These are the biggest mistake folks make in setting themselves up for a burglary or home invasion. If you correct these mistakes you will do yourself and your family a huge favor.