Former Burglar Reveals the One Thing That Stopped Her From Targeting Homes – And It’s Surprisingly Simple!
A Candid Confession from a Reformed Burglar
Most people believe that high-tech security systems, reinforced locks, or even neighborhood watch programs are the best ways to deter burglars. While these certainly help, according to a self-confessed former burglar, there is one simple thing that instantly put her off from targeting a house—and it’s something that many homeowners already have. Surprisingly, this deterrent requires no expensive installation, no high-tech gadgets, and no complicated security measures.
Sharing her story anonymously on Reddit’s AMA forum, the woman from the United States opened up about her past life of crime and how she has since turned her life around. Her candid insights provide valuable information for homeowners looking to protect their property. The post quickly gained attention, with thousands of Reddit users asking questions and sharing their thoughts. Many were shocked by how easy it was for burglars to access homes, while others were grateful for the advice on how to prevent break-ins.
I am a former homeburglar. Ask me anything.
byu/GoingtoThrow789 inAMA
From Homelessness to a Life of Crime
The woman, who began burglarizing homes at just 16 years old, explained how desperation and addiction led her down a dark path. At that young age, she had no stable home, no family support, and was struggling to survive on the streets. She found herself caught in a cycle of drug addiction and petty crime, which eventually escalated to burglarizing homes.
“I started when I was 18. I was homeless, living in a shelter, and had developed a drug problem beginning at the age of 16. I was burglarizing homes to try and get out of the shelter and into decent housing, but a lot of my money went to fueling bad habits.”
She spent two years behind bars after being convicted, which forced her to reflect on her life choices. It wasn’t easy, but she knew she wanted to change. After her release, she worked hard to rebuild her life. She got sober, found stable employment, and now lives happily with her husband and daughter.
“I’ve since gotten sober, got married, and have a beautiful little girl. I have a job, and we are living a very happy life. It’s a struggle still, but I’m in a much better place mentally.”
Despite her past, she now uses her experience to educate homeowners on how to protect their homes from potential break-ins. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help others avoid becoming victims and possibly even deter others from making the same mistakes she did.
The One Thing That Would Instantly Deter Her
So, what’s the one thing that would stop her from targeting a home?
A dog.
“I avoided houses with dogs outside out of fear that it would bark and alert someone,” she admitted. The presence of a dog, especially one that is loud and active, significantly increases the risk of getting caught. Even if the dog is friendly, burglars don’t want to take the chance of dealing with a potential disturbance.
While she now realizes that dogs tend to bark at everything, at the time, the risk of drawing attention made her steer clear. Many burglars think twice before approaching a home where a barking dog might wake up the neighbors or alert the homeowner. The unpredictability of a dog’s behavior makes them an effective deterrent, even for experienced criminals.
Why Dogs Are an Effective Deterrent
A 2022 study from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Department of Criminal Justice found that nearly 50% of burglars said they would avoid homes with a large, loud dog. The sound of a dog barking can make a burglar feel like they have lost the element of surprise, which is crucial for them to carry out a crime unnoticed.
Experts from ADT Security confirm that dogs act as a natural alarm system, alerting owners to intruders and increasing the risk of detection. Additionally, some burglars may fear being bitten or injured, which adds another layer of deterrence. Even small dogs that bark persistently can make it difficult for a burglar to go unnoticed.
📢 What Social Media Users Are Saying
After her post went viral on Reddit, the discussion spilled over to social media, where thousands of users reacted with shock, humor, and some serious security advice.
Twitter Reactions
🐶 @SafeHomeTips – “Looks like we just found another reason to love our furry friends! A burglar-turned-security expert says dogs are the best home defense. Time to get a guard dog! 🐕 #HomeSecurity”
🔗 Read the tweet
🚪 @CrimeWatchUSA – “Security cameras and alarm systems work, but this ex-burglar says a simple trick like leaving the TV on can keep criminals away! Who knew? #StaySafe”
🔗 Check out the post
Facebook Discussion
👮 Crime Prevention & Safety Group
“An ex-burglar is sharing real tips on how to keep your home safe! You won’t believe how easy some of these are to implement.”
🔗 Join the conversation
🐶 Dog Owners United
“Did you know that having a dog could stop burglars from targeting your home? Ex-criminals admit they always avoided houses with barking dogs!”
🔗 See what dog lovers are saying
Reddit’s Take on It
💬 r/HomeSecurity – “A convicted burglar shares what really keeps homes safe from break-ins. Some great tips in here!”
🔗 Read the full discussion
Other Red Flags That Made Her Avoid Homes
Aside from dogs, the former burglar pointed out several other factors that made certain houses less attractive targets:
1. Security Cameras
“If the house had cameras, I would avoid them for obvious reasons.”
Burglars don’t want to get caught, and visible cameras (such as Ring doorbells) serve as an immediate red flag. Having cameras installed outside your home can make criminals think twice before attempting a break-in. Even fake security cameras can be effective deterrents since most burglars won’t take the risk of testing whether they are real.
2. Alarm Systems
She strongly advises homeowners to invest in an alarm system, stating that they are effective when used correctly. Many homeowners have alarm systems but fail to turn them on, making them useless.
Pro tip: Make sure your system is activated whenever you leave the house, even for a short period. Even displaying a sign indicating that you have an alarm system can sometimes be enough to scare off potential burglars.
3. Cars in the Driveway
“The houses I looked at most were the ones that didn’t have cars in front during the day.”
A parked car suggests someone is home, which significantly reduces the chances of a break-in. If you are leaving for an extended period, consider asking a neighbor or friend to park their car in your driveway. This simple trick can create the illusion that someone is inside, making your home a less appealing target.
4. Visible TVs or Lights On
“Leaving a TV on can also give the impression that someone is home, and you’re more likely to be left alone.”
Many burglars prefer to target empty homes, so small tricks like leaving lights or the TV on can be effective deterrents. Smart home technology, such as automated lights or televisions that turn on at random times, can help create the illusion that the house is occupied even when it isn’t.
Final Takeaways: Protecting Your Home from Burglaries
This former burglar’s insights provide valuable lessons on home security. Here are the key takeaways:
✅ Get a Dog – Burglars hate dealing with barking dogs.
✅ Install Security Cameras – Make them visible to deter criminals.
✅ Use an Alarm System – But ensure you actually activate it.
✅ Keep a Car in the Driveway – It creates the illusion that someone is home.
✅ Leave a TV or Lights On – Especially when you’re out for the evening.
✅ Secure Windows & Doors – Use window locks, deadbolts, and reinforcements.
By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of your home being targeted by burglars.
What Do You Think?
Have you ever taken any of these security precautions? Do you think having a dog is the best deterrent? Let us know in the comments below!
📢 Share this with your friends and family to help keep their homes safe!
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
