Have you ever gotten email from a friend listing various robbery attempts that were foiled because the burglar did something really, really stupid? I know I have. It gives us lots of pleasure to read about some of the stupid things thieves do while attempting a robbery only to get caught and thrown in jail.

For example, you’ve probably read about the burglar that decided to catch a nap on the home owner’s bed only to fall asleep and be awaken by law enforcement officers ready to put him in handcuffs. Or what about the robber who got stuck trying to escape through a window that was too small for his stomach. How about the story where the thief drops identification at the scene of the crime or the where the robber films himself committing the crime only to have it used as evidence against him?

All of these guys get thrown in jail because of their own stupidity.

I have to admit, hearing these funny stories can be entertaining. They’re good for a laugh and maybe even give us some peace of mind that our valuables are safe.  We could even draw the false conclusion that those who want our hard earn possessions are inept, unskilled and brainless.

Here’s the problem with listening to these stories, they can cause us to relax when it comes to protecting our homes.

The truth is that each and every day, homes are robbed and valuable, hard earned goods are taken while the thieves vanish into thin air. The average thief may not be the smartest person in the world, but as a rule, he certainly isn’t dumb enough to get caught either. The funny stories we hear are the exceptions not the rule.

It’s better to assume that the robber is smarter than the average person and then take the necessary steps to protect your home and valuables. For example, where do you hide your spare key? Most of the places you think of to hide it, he will too.  

You have to think like a burglar. Will he choose the home with the over grown bushes that he can hide behind while he’s opening the window or the home with the trimmed shrubs that leave an open view of the house so that anyone passing by can easily see someone trying to break in? He’s smart enough to stay hidden while he does his dirty work so he will look for homes where he can lurk in the shadows of bushes, debris and hedges. If you deny him what he needs, it’s a good chance he will go somewhere else.

Stupid burglars are still stalking the country and even the smartest thieves make mistakes (for our entertainment!) but the best rule of thumb is to remember that most criminals will think their evil deed through to a successful conclusion leaving your home victimized.

It’s tempting to think most burglars are stupid but burglars have the same opinion about home owners. They think we’re stupid because we work long and hard to fill our homes with booty for them to take when ever they choose. Don’t prove them correct. Do all you can to protect your home and family by thinking like a thief, assume they’re smarter than they are and enact wise home security measures. This is how you avoid being burglarized.