Crime & Safety
Things A Burglar Does Not Tell You
Here's a helpful crime prevention bulletin from Tampa Police's District One, which includes South Tampa and Hyde Park.
- "Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator."
- "Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier."
- "Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste - and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
- Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up in the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.
- If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.
- A good security company alarms the window over the sink. Windows on the second floor should also have alarms on them, which often access the master bedroom and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there, too.
- It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.
- 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.
- Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, freezer and the medicine cabinet.
- 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.
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