Originally Posted by namtrak
1. Get a dog or two.
2. We live in one of the dodgier neighbourhoods in the area, and the first thing I did was introduce myself to everyone within about a 4 house radius. We have been able to scope for safe houses for the kids, and we always let a couple of the neighbours know when we are heading off for a day or two.
3. The outside of our house (and we have friends who subscribe to this theory as well) is relatively grotty - needs a new coat of paint. No need to advertise that we are doing okay on the inside, just yet.
4. The only visible 'valuable' is the TV and DVD player, everything else is stashed in little hidey holes (Wireless network, music system and so on)
5. Our house is in a permanent state of dissarray, any potential thief would have to clean up first before they could find stuff to knock off.