Lately, there are a lot of talks on how burglars managed to enter the houses while the owners are away from home, especially during festive seasons where everyone is trying to rush back to their hometowns for Hari Raya Puasa, Chinese New Year and Christmas.

Everybody is wondering how did the burglars get their leads and from where they obtain the information. Well, for a quick one, funerals and wedding announcements are two of the burglars’ greatest resources. Every family member attends these major events, as do the neighbors in many cases. Based on the newspapers announcements, the burglars will know the location of the house, the time that it will be vacant and the approximate time of the house being empty; thus, making it safe for the burglars to enact their planned entries.

For your protection, take a few seconds to read the following tips to avoid unnecessary burglary happening to you and your family.

1. Do not allow the newspapers to publish any details of the event that the burglars could use to their advantage.
2. Do not tell anyone that you will be away from town or going for an outstation trip. I remembered that there was a burglar who used to put up a “nasi lemak” stall in Shah Alam. After getting to know his customers, he will asked them when they will be going back to hometowns for Hari Raya Puasa and from there, he will plan his entry.
3. Ideally, it is good to inform the newspapers or bread vendors to stop delivering for a period of time when you are out of town. However, such information may land in wrong hands.