Reader's Digest recently ran an article titled "13 Things a Burglar Won't Tell You" that offers some sobering caveats from convicted burglars.

Below are excerpts:

• Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

• Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

• Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste … and taste means there are nice things inside.

• Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway.

• If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house.

• If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set.

• A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom—and your jewelry.

• It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door—understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather.

• I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters.

• Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer?

• Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.

• You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.

• A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system.