Lock up and set your alarm every single night. These are common sense ways to secure your house. But here are a few that may not have occurred to you yet…

1. Befriend the local gossip. You know the one– the guy or gal who knows everybody on the block and all their dirty laundry, too. This person is a natural neighborhood watch agent because he/she can’t keep her nose out of the neighborhood drama. You probably met this person when you first moved into your home; he/she had to get to know the new character in the story. Chances are this friend also knows who was scoping out your house the other day, and which of the vehicles parked on your street does not belong. Check in once in awhile and get the scoop.

2. You really need to clean out your garage. And that’s not just so the cleanie-pants across the street can sleep more peacefully at night. An open, clean garage gives you a place to park your car. With your vehicle safely tucked away each night, criminals can’t tell whether you’re home or away throughout the daylight hours. They can’t vandalize your truck, and they can’t get at you on your walk between the driver’s seat and the front door. So make some space. You’ll feel better.

3. Forgo the safe. Make hidey-holes instead. Your walls are mostly hollow between the studs. Make use of this space by creating hiding spots for jewelry, weapons, and cash. Cover the hole with a fake light switch or outlet plate that can be opened on a hinge or simply popped off when you need something. Jason Bourne would be proud of you!