“Do NOT keep a regular schedule. Leave and return at different times, so people can’t figure out when you won’t be home to break in.”

As a Senior Staff Writer at BuzzFeed, I cover real-life stories that explore relationships, lifestyle (including travel and beauty), and the internet's most fascinating trends.

"My landlord has had a lot of his stuff delivered to the house, and the delivery drivers can't figure out which door is which."

"Also, I work late some nights, often until after 10 p.m. I take the same route home every night and call my daughter on my way home. If I don't make it home by a reasonable hour, at least someone will know where to start looking."

"If you live alone and have the resources, get yourself a dog. Best security system I've found as a single woman is owning a loyal dog or two."

"Do not answer the door at night unless you are expecting someone. Pull curtains after dark. Do not sleep with windows open if on the first floor."

"I always keep a pair of men's boots outside my door."

"The best protection, in my opinion, is having a mean dog. He's such a sweet boy to me, but to anyone who is not in his small circle (five people), he's terrifying. And I love it. Deters most people from even wanting to come over. I also put a set of, like, Christmas sleigh bells on the handle of my back door so they jingle every time it's turned. If I don't hear it, my dog will."

"Fortunately, I was out of town that weekend, but it was super freaky to see, and I would've been really scared had I been there that night."

Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.