Tips to keep thieves away from your home

There’s no worse feeling than arriving home to discover thieves have been shopping at your house. Make things harder for them by trying these tips:

• After purchasing big-ticket items for yourself or others, break packaging into smaller pieces and in separate bags. Wait to put those out on pick-up day.

• Shred paperwork or mail with personal details like name, social security number or birthdate to keep out of the wrong hands.

• Keep a spare key outside? Get creative when it comes to that “secret” spot. Skip under the flower pot and try the third bush from the right.

– Katie Cline, 360 Media, Inc.