INDIANAPOLIS -- Spring break means many people are out of town on vacation, leaving their homes as possible targets for thieves.
Two burglars broke into a Center Grove home and stole jewelry just this past Saturday while the homeowners were not there.
What should you do to prepare your home when you're not around? KGW in Portlandsent a survey to 86 inmates at the Oregon Department of Corrections, asking what they would do to get into a house.
Below are some of the questions and answers received from the inmates.
How did you typically break into a home or apartment?
Most inmates broke in through an unlocked door or window. Several burglars kicked the door open.
“I would kick in the door rather than break glass. Loud bangs are better than loud glass breaking, plus you run the risk of getting cut,” one inmate said.
What time of the day did you prefer to break in?
Burglars prefer breaking in early morning or afternoon.
“Between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm. Anyone that was home for lunch should be gone by then and most kids should all still be in school,” wrote a convicted burglar.
Did home protection or security signs posted outside the home deter you?
Some burglars said the signs didn’t faze them, and they burglarized the home anyway. Others said they knew how to disable or avoid the alarms.
Did pets in the home, like a dog, make you think twice?
If a homeowner had a big, loud dog most burglars would stay away.
“Dogs are a deal breaker for me,” said one inmate. “Big breeds, home protectors are the best to keep people out.”
If you heard a radio or TV on inside the home, would you still break in?
Most burglars feared someone might be home if they heard a radio or TV. They wouldn’t break in.
What is the one thing homeowners can do to avoid being burglarized?
Burglars suggest homeowners make their property visible with good lighting and trimmed bushes and trees. You should get to know your neighbors and alert police if you see anything suspicious.
“Put bars on your windows and doors, get an alarm, keep an extra car in the driveway, keep lights, TVs and radios on when you leave your home,” read one questionnaire.
“Home alarm, know your neighbor so they can report suspicious people around the neighborhood,” said a burglar.
Many of those inmates who responded were remorseful and don’t want homeowners to be victimized.
“Thank you for giving me the chance to help and give back something that will actually help people,” wrote one inmate.
“I’ll never be able to give back the sense of security I destroyed but I can help prevent others from losing theirs,” said another convicted burglar.
MORE | Read the full survey
