To get the real scoop on how to protect your home, we asked the best of all sources — a reformed burglar. This former burglar stole over $70 million worth of jewelry during his career, and spent 11 years in prison for doing so. Here’s what he has to say about the mistakes people make most often:

Mistake #1. Leaving the burglar alarm off when you’re running out for a few minutes. Nearly all the houses we robbed had expensive alarm systems — and more than half the time, the alarms weren’t turned on! Sophisticated burglars watch neighborhoods and learn when residents go to work or run errands, and how long they are likely to be away. They’re ready to move the minute you leave.

Mistake #2. Posting detailed alarm signs. When you post a sign that identifies the alarm company, you’ve just given the burglar the information he needs to disable the alarm. It’s better to buy a generic sign from a home-supply store. [Note that this refers to the alarm-brand sign, and not a monitoring company sign such as ADT or Protection One.]

Mistake #3. Hiding valuables in the bedroom. It’s the first place burglars look. We used to spend 15 minutes or less in each house that we robbed. More than half that time was spent in the bedroom, checking the usual hiding places. Hide valuables where burglars won’t think to look (like in the garage). Don’t hide all your valuables in one place. Keep money or jewelry you rarely wear in a safe-deposit box.

Mistake #4. Getting a big dog. A 100-pound Rottweiler or German shepherd might look scary, but burglars know better. Most big breeds, unless they are trained as guard dogs, aren't barkers. What you want are “yappers”, small dogs that make a lot of noise.

Mistake #5. Hiding windows with landscaping. Tall bushes and shrubs allow burglars to jimmy windows without being seen. Also, don’t count on thorny plants to prevent entry. Professional thieves wear heavy clothes and carry tools to remove obstacles.

Mistake #6. Leaving the lights on. A light that stays on all the time is no more of a deterrent than a dark house. In fact, it helps burglars see better once they’re inside. It is better to use timers that turn lights on and off in different parts of the house at different intervals, and motion detector lights.

Mistake #7. Having newspaper and mail delivery stopped when you go away. You may trust your mailman and newspaper carrier, but the fact is that you never know who else is getting that information. We used to get tips all the time about homeowners going on vacation. Keep your plans quiet. Have a neighbor or close friend pick up you paper or mail. Ask them to drop by at different times of the day. The more activity burglars see, the less likely they are to target your house.

The Burglary Prevention Council offers an on-line home protection guide and a free downloadable “Safe and Secure” brochure (website: http://www.burglaryprevention.org/). Some of the BPC’s tips include:

• Keep doors and windows securely locked.
• Brace sliding glass doors.
• Lock the door to an attached garage.
• User timers to create the illusion that you are home.
• Keep the exterior of your home well-lit.
• Never leave clues that you are away.
• Never leave a message on your voicemail saying that you are away.
• Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways.
• An additional tip is to organize a neighborhood watch. One of the best burglary prevention tools is a friendly, active neighborhood.
• Also, it’s a good idea to keep a home inventory (with photos and videos, if possible).
• And remember to keep your homeowners or renters insurance up-to-date!

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website: www.BottomLineSecrets.com