Reading the statistic that almost 1.5 million homes were broken into in 2006 is enough to make any homeowner scramble to take major preventative measures against burglary. You'd do anything to reduce the risk of being part of that statistic. One thing that homeowners never consider is talking to an actual burglar to find out the methods that really work in keep thieves out. Keep reading to learn what a burglar advises you should do to prevent home invasions.

Interviewer: If a homeowner can only do one thing to reduce their chances of being burglarized, what do you recommend they do?

Burglar: Install a motion-sensor floodlight by every exterior door in the front and back of the house. The brighter the light, the better, because it will alert homeowners and neighbors that something is going on by the door. Burglars want to remain inconspicuous so no one realizes they are there. Many will skip right over homes with motion lights outside.

Interviewer: Is it true that burglars hide behind bushes?

Burglar: Definitely. Again, thieves and burglars don't want to be noticed, so they will hid behind bushes and trees as they try to gain access to a home. One of the cheapest and easiest things you can do to prevent home invasions, especially if you are looking to take several preventative measures without breaking the bank, is to remove all trees, shrubs, and bushes around your home. Without an foliage planted around the house, it can be very hard for thieves to conceal themselves as they try to break into your home.

Interviewer: Do you look at the cars people drive or peek into the windows of a home when considering which houses to burglarize?

Burglar: Yes. If you have your Mazerati parked out front and your priceless Chinese vase in the front window, with a Monet painting hanging in a perfect place to be seen by people walking by, then burglars will see that almost as an invitation to hit your house. As the saying goes, out of sight is out of mind, so park your expensive car in the garage and keep your blinds closed so people can't see your expensive possessions from outside.

Interviewer: Do deadbolts really work?

Burglar: Most of the time. The goal is to get a good, name-brand deadbolt lock that has a one-inch-long dead bolt and a reinforced-metal box strike. Some great ones to use are the Medeco Maxium 11*603 and the Kwikset 980.

Interviewer: Do attack dogs really work to deter burglars?

Burglar: Any dog is a deterrent. It's the barking that is the issue for burglars. A loud, barking dog attracts attention, more so than the bite of a canine. So yappy little dogs are actually more effective at lowering your risk of home invasion than a big dog.

Interviewer: Do security systems keep burglars away?

Burglar: Not necessarily. If you have a security system, don't put a sticker on the window or a sign by the door stating the name of the security system or company. That is all the information a robber needs to disable the system and get inside your home. It is a good idea to get a generic sticker to warn robbers that there is a security system, though, because unless they are armed with the information to disable the system, it will be more trouble than they want to enter your home.

There you go, straight from the mouth of a burglar. Now you have some tried and true tips for preventing home invasions. Please keep in mind that your house may never been completely burglar-proof. The goal is to make your home less attractive and a little too risky to attempt a break-in over the other homes in your neighborhood. If you have any questions on more things you can do to prevent home invasions, contact your local locksmith. He or she will be happy to help you. You can find a locksmith by visiting sites such as http://arapahoesecurity.com.