3. Avoid posting vacation trip information on a Social Media Website… it makes my job easier knowing when your on vacation. Wait until you return home to share pictures and details of your getaway.

4. Don’t leave a message on your home answering machine telling people your away.

5. Love those flowers in your yard. That tells me you have taste and taste means that there are nice things inside your home.

6. Those toys your kids always leave out in the yard make me wonder what type of gaming system you have.

7. Break down and dispose boxes or packaging that announces the purchase of a new expensive item.

8. Thanks for leaving your garage door open during the day so I can check all the cool stuff you have. I might have to bring a truck back so I can carry everything.

9. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. I might leave a flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

10. A good security company alarms the window over the sink and any windows on the second floor that is accessible by the roof, which often access the master bedroom… and your valuables.

11. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up on the second floor general area and you might even consider contacting the interior master bedroom walk-in closet door.

12. Large bushes and foliage up against the house make for great hiding places while I attempt to break into your home, so maintain your yard on a regular basis.

13. It's raining and you're fumbling with your umbrella and keys so you forget to lock your door… it’s understandable. Understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

14. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

15. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the closet, the bedside table and the medicine cabinet.

16. Helpful hint?... I almost never go into a baby’s or little kids' room.

17. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. If it's not bolted down though, I'll try to take it with me.

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

19. The three things I hate most: loud dogs, outside lights and nosy neighbors.

20. 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.

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

22. 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.

23. 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. Have your alarm company install ‘Fresh-Air’ contacts so you can open it just a bit to get the breeze through your home.

24. If you don't answer when I knock, I try opening the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

25. If I’m able to steal your laptop, imagine all the personal stuff and financials I can learn about you… ever hear of ‘Identity Theft’?... That stuff takes YEARS to resolve and clear it from your credit.

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week asking to clean your gutters, offered to painting your shutters or placed a flier on your doorknob.

2. Thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While inside, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.