An ex-burglar has lifted the lid on the terrifyingly simple tricks used by criminals to target homes.

Michael Fraser, once a young offender and now a security expert, has disclosed that criminals are exploiting online estate agent platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla as virtual catalogs for targeting properties.

Fraser, who collaborates with law enforcement and large companies to evaluate security measures, stated that numerous burglaries are executed using details gleaned from these sites.

The availability of video walkthroughs, floorplans, and garden views in online property listings provides burglars with ready-made blueprints, according to Michael.

In a conversation with The Times, he explained: ‘I liken it to online shopping. You can virtually tour a property, getting to know it thoroughly just by looking at it online.’

Michael, who co-hosts the BBC program Beat The Burglar, suggested that property websites should implement security measures like passwords or verified user accounts to limit access to detailed virtual tours, thus deterring criminals from casually browsing potential targets.

Elsewhere, Michael warned that advertising a pet, such as a ‘beware of the dog’ sign often helps burglars out.

He revealed it tells them that homeowners don’t have motion sensors that set off an alarm system because the pet’s movement would trigger it. 

Michael Fraser (pictured), a security expert with a past as a young offender, has shed light on the alarmingly easy techniques used by criminals to select homes as targets.

Meanwhile, the security expert claimed that homeowners are making themselves easy targets by failing to secure their properties properly. 

From keys left dangling in backdoors to family calendars revealing holiday dates, small slip-ups can have big consequences.

‘These crooks know what to look for,’ he said. ‘A kitchen calendar gives away your summer plans. Keys left in the door or visible on hooks make their job even easier.’ 

Michael recommended closing all blinds and curtains when leaving the home because this signals to would-be thieves that those inside the house are security-conscious and makes it harder to scout valuables. 

He said to never leave house keys in sight of the front door because burglars can use a metal rod through the letterbox to hook them in seconds. 

Michael added that by simply installing a letterbox cage this can prevent criminals from reaching inside your home. 

In 2023, Michael revealed his top tips to stop thieves from targeting your home, especially around Christmas time. 

Speaking to Metro, Fraser explained how cylinder locks on doors can appeal more to burglars as they don’t hold very well, which can make your home an easy target.

With online listings now offering video walkthroughs, floorplans, and even garden views, burglars are being handed a ready-made blueprint (stock image) 

The home security expert advised homeowners to purchase a deadlock to secure doors and windows as they are ‘much stronger, more robust, and will make burglars less confident’ in planning to break in.

Another thing many homeowners are guilty of doing (around a third, according to Toolstation) is leaving a spare key in a ‘safe place’ near a front door.

Leaving a key outside the home can be easily found by opportunists, says Fraser.

He added: ‘Burglars ware clued up on all of the most common hiding spots and look for hints within the area – such as fresh soil in a certain spot compared to the rest of the surrounding grass or mud, or a pot that has been slightly moved from its ring mark.’

To avoid running the risk of a break-in, Fraser advises to leave sets of spare keys with a trusted person instead.

Meanwhile, it is advised by Fraser not to advertise when you’re planning on going away, whether it’s in person to people you don’t know or to your wider online network.

He added: ‘If planning to travel an airport or station by taxi, order it to arrive further down the road and don’t provide any information on where you are travelling to.

‘With such a strong social media presence today, it is extremely easy for burglars to trace and find out an individual’s location, so refrain from posting any holiday snaps until you’re back from your trip.’