What intruders do not want you to know.

• Position: Home Invasion

The lagging economy has spurred a dramatic jump in the number of burglaries and home invasions across the country, with agencies reporting an increase in 2010-11 after falling for a number of years. What especially is troubling is that these crimes have become more common in the suburbs and small towns--places where they rarely occurred before.

"The numbers reflect what we have been hearing from listeners all over the country: the bad economy has caused an increase in crime and it is happening everywhere," warns Alan Young, CEO of Armor Concepts LLC, Nashville, Tenn., who says there are three keys to making sure that your home is secure.

The first is simple: "Use common sense. Don't post vacation plans on Facebook and don't post vacation photos while still on vacation. Many burglaries are committed by someone you know or someone connected to someone you know. Letting the world know that you're not home is an easy way to become a target."

Secondly, make your home a less attractive target than your neighbor's. That may sound crazy but, as Young points out, "If you and your neighbor are being chased by a dog, you don't have to be faster than the dog, just your neighbor. Make your home a less attractive target...