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A break-in doesn’t always require high-tech tools or elaborate planning—sometimes, all it takes is a quick glance through a window. Opportunistic burglars rely on the fact that people often leave valuable items within arm’s reach or plain sight. These visible temptations can turn a passing criminal into an active intruder.
Many homeowners assume their locked doors are enough of a deterrent, but what’s left lying around can say otherwise. To protect a home, it’s crucial to understand exactly what burglars look for—and hope to find on display.
1. Laptops and Tablets
Electronics like laptops and tablets are at the top of a burglar’s wish list. Their compact size and high resale value make them an easy grab during a quick smash-and-grab. Leaving them on a couch, table, or even visible through a window all but invites trouble. Even if the device is password-protected, that won’t matter to a thief looking for fast cash. These items should always be stashed out of sight when not in use.
2. Car Keys and Spare House Keys
A surprising number of people leave car keys or spare house keys sitting near entry points. This can make a burglar’s job easier than expected, offering not just immediate access to a vehicle but possibly to other locations like offices or relatives’ homes. Even if hidden under a doormat or in a decorative rock, keys are rarely safe outdoors. Inside the home, keys left in bowls or on hooks near doors can also be seen from windows. Thieves often peek through glass to scope out easy next steps once they’re in.
3. Purses and Wallets
Purses and wallets contain more than just cash—they’re a jackpot of personal information, credit cards, IDs, and more. Leaving them in obvious places like kitchen counters or hallway tables gives burglars a clear target. These items can be used immediately or sold off to others for identity theft and fraud. Some criminals break in solely for wallets, knowing they can drain bank accounts in minutes. It’s best to keep these essentials hidden or locked away.
Old leather bag on vintage sofa
4. Mail and Delivery Packages
Stacks of mail or packages left on porches or visible just inside the door signal that a house might be unoccupied or unmonitored. Burglars look for signs that no one’s home—and a pile of untouched mail is one of the clearest. Inside, important documents can also be visible through sidelights or glass doors. Some thieves aren’t just looking for goods but also personal data for scams and identity theft. Even delivery boxes can hint at what’s inside the home, tipping burglars off to valuable contents.
5. Electronics Packaging
Discarded boxes for new TVs, gaming consoles, or other electronics act as loud advertisements. Leaving packaging by the curb or even in recycling bins shows exactly what kind of expensive gear is inside. This kind of carelessness tells thieves the home likely has more to steal. Even when the devices are no longer new, the boxes still suggest recent purchases and upgrades. It’s smarter to break down and conceal packaging before disposal.
6. Tools and Ladders
Leaving tools or ladders outside is like setting the table for a burglar. These items can be used to force entry, disable locks, or gain access to second-story windows. Thieves don’t want to carry equipment—they hope the homeowner has done that work for them. Even garden tools can be repurposed to break windows or pry open doors. Securing all tools and ladders in a locked shed or garage is a simple but critical step.
Stay One Step Ahead
Burglars don’t need hours or complex strategies—they just need an opportunity. Leaving certain items in plain view can be all the invitation they need to break in. Every homeowner has the power to reduce risk by thinking like a thief and removing the bait. A few simple changes can mean the difference between being a target and staying safe. What other common items do people often leave out without thinking?
Share your thoughts or leave a comment—what surprised you most on this list?
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