How to protect your belongings from thieves?

Don't let thieves take your phone or smartwatch or rob your home while you're on vacation

We had the chance to interview reformed criminal Richard Taylor and asked him about the things that help thieves get hold of our belongings and tips on how to keep them safe.

Small gadgets are easier to steal

Taylor told us that at the beginning of his "career" it was easier. This is mainly because just a few decades ago, most equipment was large and awkward to carry. Which also means that you don't forget that it's in you.

"Twenty years ago, TVs weren't what they are now," he gives an example. “Carrying one of these down the street? Well, it was hard work.”

But now, as you'd expect, the money is in the tech. Especially one that can be easily taken.

“Now [thieves] have it easier. Money, easy to take. But obviously jewelry and all your smaller tech too.

Stop bragging on social media

Taylor said identity fraud is a big problem, especially spam email scams. But when it comes to online safety, he thinks bragging on social media can only lead to trouble.

When you brag about being on vacation, you're showing you're going to be away for a long time. Especially if your posts are tagged with your location.

Taylor said: “People are showing off too much on social media. "Oh look at me, I'm on the beach!"

If you still want to share your experiences with family and friends on social media, it's better to do it after you've already returned from vacation.

Taylor continues: "Resist the urge to upload photos and show off, do it when you get back, not when you're there."

Sure, it sounds obvious, but when you're having fun and trying to take the perfect sunset selfie, you might forget about the safety of your belongings at home.

Don't leave things in plain sight

Besides social media, I asked what other common mistakes people make. Taylor told me, “The main reason people get robbed? They often leave their windows open. Even in winter.”

He also warned us that thieves are indeed opportunists. So even if you don't leave your windows open, move your things away from them so they're not easily visible and tempting to criminals.

"Don't leave anything in plain sight. For example, even a spare set of house keys, something expensive or the like, thieves will find a way to take advantage.

I asked him what he meant by "find a way," and that's where the multipurpose nature of selfie sticks came into play.

“Thieves are now using selfie sticks to steal things you've left in plain sight. They used to use fishing rods, but this is a new use for selfie sticks.”

But really, he said, a lot of it comes down to people's behavior and willingness to show off how much cool stuff they own.

"For me, it's all about showing off. Not just on social media. But people think their front window is a shop window. When you leave the house, you should make sure that things are not on display.

Secure your backyard, windows, and doors

A little tired of hearing how stupid we are, I wanted to learn more about how to protect ourselves and our stuff. Taylor said it all comes down to the painfully obvious.

Make sure your backyard is as secure as possible. He recommends checking fences or putting up a thorny plant, trellis or anything else that looks like it will make entry difficult.

He explained that the backyard of your house is particularly suitable. here as tools such as drills, flexes, screwdrivers are usually left under a shed or shed, and among the priorities of thieves. Many people do not properly secure sheds and garages as much as the main part of their home.

On that note, Taylor said he is excited to see where the potential of smart locks and security systems will take us in the future.

"Especially the security systems that make it look like you're at home when you're somewhere else," he elaborated. Such as opening the courier door remotely while on holiday.

Don't underestimate the psychological barriers

Taylor told me she urges people to never underestimate the power of psychological barriers.

"It sounds simple, but if there are five houses in a row and one has a closed gate, a sign that says 'Beware of Dog' and an alarm box, and the others don't - what are you going to do? Even if there is no dog and the alarm is not real. You wouldn't take the risk. You will go to the others. Psychological barriers sound too basic. But they work.”

So even if you feel a little silly, it might be worth investing in things that will make the theft appear more difficult to opportunistic thieves. He said the "fake" dog was the most effective.

“Dogs are the worst thing. They would deter anyone. They are noisy, annoying, can leave your DNA if they bite you. Get a dog!'

How to sell stolen things?

“There are all kinds of ways,” Taylor said. "But one safe way is to get to know all the pub owners and pass things around and display and sell them that way."

Of course there is also internet. It's easier than ever to create a quick, anonymous profile on any site. People can also sell things online if they want to get rid of them quickly.

Different countries, different techniques

I wanted to know if he thought crime was different in different countries. He said he could only speak from personal experience and couldn't make definitive judgments, but in general many thieves from Eastern European countries seem to be much better at pickpocketing than those from the UK.

He also said that we can all learn a lot about home security from our German and Swiss friends who tend to value security and have started using more advanced security systems than us.

So in summary, use your common sense. Keep things out of sight, ensure your security and buy a new dog. This is for your own protection.