The holidays are prime time for thieves!

So to help you protect your home from crooks this season, Reader’s Digest put together a list of ’13 things a burglar won’t tell you,’ which offers some sobering caveats from convicted burglars.

Here are 13 secrets of home invaders

– “Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.”

– “Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.”

– “Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste … and taste means there are nice things inside.”

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– “Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway.”

– “If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house.”

– “If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set.”

– “A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom — and your jewelry.”

– “It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door — understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather.”

– “I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters.”

– “Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer?”

– “Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.”

– “You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.”

– “A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system.”