Former burglar reveals people leaving homes vulnerable with major mistake

A former burglar now uses her past to help others and protect their homes.

Growing up in Liverpool in the 80s, Jenny Radcliffe described living a ‘life of trespass’, sneaking her way into abandoned warehouses with her friends as a teenager, eventually escalating into riskier attempts. 

Instead of a life of crime, however, Jenny’s past now allows her to use her knowledge to help people keep their homes and businesses from intruders. 

Speaking to iNews, Jenny revealed it all started when a former footballer asked her to test his security at his home. She explained “I got in just by talking to his cleaner. People don’t suspect me, because I don’t appear threatening. But you never know if someone is who they say they are.”

From then on, she began offering advice on how to keep burglars at bay. 

Radcliffe highlights a major mistake that many people make. She explains that over-sharing on social media could make you vulnerable, whether it be drawing too much attention to the fact that you’re on holiday or simply sharing glimpses of valuables. 

She says “People don’t realise that your online life is connected to your physical property. Every time we go on holiday, we post about it on social media. You wouldn’t have a sign on your front door saying ‘this house is unoccupied’ but we do in the digital realm.”

Radcliffe adds “Someone can very easily start putting patterns together or weaknesses together. And it’s just a case of making yourself a harder target than that. Don’t make yourself the easiest target in your area.”

Jenny Radcliffe warns against posting on social media while you’re on holiday (via Getty)

Jenny also warns against sharing anything on social media that could indicate a particular routine. For example, if you post on the school run with the kids, thieves will know that your house is empty every day at that particular time.

She says “Every September, parents will post a photo of their child in their school uniform on the first day of school. You are basically telling the world, ‘I will be out of my house every day between these hours’. Don’t show people your routine.”

Some very good advice there!