1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like  a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever  look like a crook.

 2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

 3. I’ll break a window to get in, even if it makes a  little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he’ll  stop what he’s doing and wait to hear it again. If he  doesn’t hear it again, he’ll just go back to what he was  doing. It’s human nature.

 4. I’m not complaining, but why would you pay all that  money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without  setting it?

 5. I love looking in your windows. I’m looking for signs  that you’re home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems  I’d like. I’ll drive or walk through your neighborhood at  night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

 6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page.  It’s easier than you think to look up your address.  Parents:  caution your kids about this.  You see this every day.

 7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during  the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it’s  an invitation.

 8. If you don’t answer when I knock, I try the door.  Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.    10.  Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.

 11.  You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into  that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it’s not  bolted down, I’ll take it with me.

 12.  A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the  best alarm system. If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on  while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that  works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real  television