Ex-burglar shares home security tips to thief-proof your house

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Experts say homeowners may accidentally be making their homes more inviting to thieves. So we turned to a former burglar to find out how to thief proof your home.

From landscaping to lighting, wooden doors to window blinds, the choices you make at home could mean the difference between a thief targeting your house -- or skipping it altogether.

"I'm always concerned about crime," said Porsche Stevens.

Andre Guy-Reed spent years living a life of crime, but now he is out to help others.

After looking at Stevens' house he had plenty of concerns. He points out windows without bars, a fence blocking the view of the backyard and a lack of dead bolts as major concerns.

"You can take a butter knife and get in with that right there," says Guy-Reed while looking at a lock on Stevens' door.

He says, exterior doors should have a cylinder lock as well as a deadbolt. Also, make sure your doors are solid not hollow.

For added protection, install a metal screen door or hurricane door with break-proof glass. Pastor Guy also points to proper lighting and landscaping.

"You would put a motion light with something that makes noise," said Guy-Reed.

In flower beds, choose wood chip mulch or gravel that makes noise when it's stepped on. Plant bushes beneath windows but keep them trimmed.

Continued here:
Ex-burglar shares home security tips to thief-proof your house