What Are Some Tips for Preventing Your Apartment From Getting Broken Into?

This question originally appeared on Quora.

Answer by Jon Mixon,

Here are some ideas I have from experience:

1. Leave a radio or television on to talk radio station or to C-Span. This will mimic the sound of voices, and this may convince people that you are home.
2. Leave one or more lights on a timer. Buy a better quality timer that you can program to come on at various times.
3. Carefully screen who you allow into your home. If you have unreliable friends or acquaintances, don't allow them into your home. Avoid bringing causal sex partners into your apartment.
4. Get to know your neighbors. If they are untrustworthy or they frequently have untrustworthy guests, don't let them know about your comings and goings.
5. Keep your door and windows closed and locked, even when you are in your apartment.
6. Don't brag to your co-workers or your acquaintances about your belongings or any trips which you take. You really don't know other people that well and they can take advantage of your absence to rob you.
7. Make certain that your landlord notifies you whenever he/she has to enter your apartment. Put this in writing and confront them whenever they violate this understanding.
8. Do not have packages delivered to your apartment. Either pay for a mail box rental or drive to the package delivery distribution center or post office and pick up your packages. Also consider paying most or all of your bills online to prevent a build up of mail in case of an unexpected absence.
9. Carefully consider any close friends or relatives who may stay in your home. While they may not steal from you, they may inadvertently divulge information about your apartments and your belongings to someone who is untrustworthy.
10. Leave your apartment at random times for all activities. This includes going to work and/or walking a pet. Randomness works in your favor as no one will know when you are in your apartment and when you are not.

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