There are three types of burglars: professionals, semi-professionals and amateur. Chances are you will never have to face a professional. However, there is a very good chance that you will eventually encounter a semi-pro or amateur thief. Where the semi-pro will spend a week casing the neighborhood, an amateur will spend only a few hours. In either case, a burglar usually will spend only a few minutes burglarizing. So, whether you leave your home for three minutes or three weeks, you must be aware that your home is vulnerable when it is unoccupied. Be smart -- don't leave the front door key under the doormat. Also, the perimeter of your home should be well-lighted, and windows and doors should be securely locked. Interior lights can be controlled by timers to come on at night. And don't forget portable and built-in alarm systems. And that's the On The House tip for today.