Former Cat Burglar Reveals Tricks of the Trade via tiktok

Jen Gomez, a former cat burglar who spent a decade in a Florida state prison, shared insights into the mindset of a thief and the checklist she followed before robbing homes

Weather as a Deciding Factor

Gomez emphasized the importance of weather conditions in her decision-making process. She preferred isolated and desolate areas on bright, sunny days when people were more likely to be outside. Conversely, she found rainy or drizzly weather ideal because it kept people indoors and less likely to confront or notice suspicious activity.

Timing and Accessibility

Gomez highlighted the early morning hours, between 8 and 11, as prime time for burglaries. She explained that this window offered a higher chance of homes being unoccupied. She also looked for low windows for easy access and houses with animals to potentially disable motion sensors.

Security Systems and Motion Sensors

The presence of security systems was a consideration for Gomez, but she noted that, during her criminal activities in 2006, false alarms were common, and police response was uncertain. She used this to her advantage, knowing she had a limited window of 10 to 15 minutes if an alarm was triggered.

Choosing Targets

Gomez targeted upper-class homes, justifying her actions by convincing herself that these individuals could afford the loss, had insurance, and were not in dire need. She also emphasized the importance of having escape routes and avoiding being trapped in a neighborhood.

Mixed Reactions and Response

The video sparked mixed reactions, with some expressing concern that it could be used as a guide for potential criminals. Others pointed out that advancements in technology, such as video doorbell cameras, have made traditional burglary techniques less effective. Gomez disagreed with the notion that her insights could be applied present day, given increased security measures.