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Keys in obvious places -

Leaving a spare key under the entrance mat is probably not a good idea. If you want to leave one, find a better location.

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Overflowing mailbox -

This is a clear sign that you're not at home. If possible, cancel some mail services or ask someone to check the mail for you while you're away.

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Social media -

Posting photos of your vacation on social media will let people know that you're away from home.

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Patio doors -

Patio doors are usually made of glass and poorly secured. You can secure your patio door with a better lock at least.

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You leave the window open -

Even if it's just a little bit, leaving a window open is never a good idea when you're not home.

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Key placement -

Leaving your keys next to a door or window can make them easier to grab.

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You leave the radio on -

Who listens to the radio 24/7, really? Burglars will notice this.

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Leaving valuable items next to windows -

Don't advertise your laptop or TV to burglars. It can't get more inviting than that.

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Dim lighting -

Some people leave a light on when they go on vacation, but if burglars are targeting your house, they'll notice that light is on during the day as well.

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Overgrown lawn -

Burglars passing by your house will notice this, especially if you mow the lawn on a regular basis.

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Glass front door -

Front doors should be solid and have robust locks. While glass looks great, it makes your front door a lot more vulnerable.

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Window AC -

Installing an AC unit in the window is a bad idea when it comes to the security of your home. This is an open window for burglars to come in.

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Obituaries -

Obituaries in the paper alert burglars to empty houses.

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Ladders -

Don't leave your stepladder next to other tools outside. This can be used as a burglary aid.

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Home business -

You need to pay particular care if you run a home business. The less people know about it, the better. The possibility of stock and cash in the house will make it a target for burglars.

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Pet doors -

Even small slap doors can be an entrance point for a burglar. If you have one, make sure you secure it when you're out of the house.

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You don't lock your front door -

This is a basic one, but many people still don't lock their doors when they leave the house. Do so every time you go out.

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Fresh snow -

This one might sound a bit extreme, but so can burglars' tactics to break into your home. No footsteps or tire marks on fresh snow will indicate that no one is at home. Asking a neighbor to walk to your front door might do the trick.

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Don't help them break into your house -

Leaving benches in your yard, that can be easily used by burglars to break into your house is not a good idea.

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Wilted flowers -

If you usually take good care of your flowers and all of a sudden they start to die, it's a sign that you have been away for a while.

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No fences -

An open backyard makes it easier for burglars to access your property.

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Curtains -

If you usually have your curtains and blinds open and all of a sudden they're closed, it might signal to burglars that you're away. You can leave some open and some closed when you go on vacation.

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Leaving the garage remote control in the car -

Especially if you park in the driveway. If you leave it in the car, burglars can easily break into you car and subsequently into your home.

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Garage door -

Some garage doors are not very well secured and can be an entry point for a burglar. Keep it closed and locked at all times.

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Leaving packaging outside -

This can signal a brand new TV or other items burglars might be looking for.

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Overgrown bushes -

If a burglar is monitoring your daily activity, this is the perfect way to do so unnoticed.

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Beware of who you let into your home -

It's likely that you'll have strangers working in your home at some point. If possible, try to get references, as these strangers can pass on information to burglars.

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Corner houses -

A house with less neighbors is an easier target for a burglar. While you can't change the location of your house, you can always bump up the security.

See also: The most unusual places that people call home

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