Special Report: Keep Out

Here are two Massachusetts homes on quiet streets.

Beth spent hundreds on an alarm system to secure her home. And Jim installed security lights around his. Both homeowner's say they "feel safe."

Jim, resident
"This is an area we don't have too many problems."

Beth, resident
"That's what's really important to have a secure home for your family."

But what they don't know is they could be putting out the welcome mat for thieves.

Robert Siciliano, personal security expert
"You have to think like a burglar."

He can case a house the way a real-life burglar would.

Robert Siciliano, personal security expert
"This is pretty much easy access."

We asked him how a crook would try to get in both houses. At Beth's, he found what he calls a thief's best friend: a basement window, big enough for someone to sneak in.

Robert Siciliano, personal security expert
"This side of the house is blocked off by vegetation from the neighborhood, and to come down here, and just break this window, no one is going to see you from all points. "

But he says, don't just look down. Thieves can hit higher up, using patio furniture or trash cans as stairs.

Robert Siciliano, personal security expert
"And once you shimmy your way up, and you've got windows up on the second floor, and if they're not locked, you're in."

Our expert says, if you're having work done on your house, don't leave ladders and tools hanging around. A ladder allows a thief to get to the second floor. Tools can be used to pry open a window, making it that much easier for a thief to break-in.

At Jim's, a garage door could be an open invitation to danger!

Robert Siciliano, personal security expert
"You can clearly see that the garage door is not locked, which allows you to simply open the door and walk in."

And the deadbolt on Jim's front door needs to have a keyhole on the inside, not just a knob.

Robert Siciliano, personal security expert
"Breaking through this glass right here and reaching through, here you have your knob. You're in without that much resistance."

Jim, resident
"It makes sense, now that I think about it."

Siciliano says there are some cheap and easy things to do to secure any home. He recommends putting security laminate on all windows .

Here's a window without the laminate. Here's one with it.

It costs about $60 a window to install.

Even if you don't have a dog, get a big dog bowl and put it outside along with "Beware of Dog" signs.

Holding up the bowl, Sicilano says, "This is a layer of protection."

If you can't afford a security system, you can order generic alarm stickers at local sign stores and put them around your house.

And never put your name on the outside of your home.

Robert Siciliano, personal security expert
"Burglars see the name on the house, and they call 411, and they get that phone number, and they make the call to see if you're home."

Both of our homeowners say they're now making changes. Jim will upgrade his deadbolts and add an alarm system.

Jim, resident
"I think we'll we will go ahead and get one."

And Beth will install a better deadbolt on her front door, too.

Beth, resident
"We are going to get that fixed right away."

One more thing: if you're planning on going away, our expert says to unplug your garage door opener, because many thieves can use a "hacked" garage door remote to open up your door.

(Copyright (c) 2006 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Related links:

Robert Siciliano's Safety Minute Web site
Film Laminate for Windows
A sign maker in Norwood
3M Window Films