Summertime is such a beautiful and carefree time of the year. Kids are out of school, vacations are planned, BBQ’s and picnics are the order of the day. Unfortunately, it is also the peak time for residential burglaries. Most people imagine that break-ins take place at night under the shadow of darkness. On the contrary, 80% of all break-ins occur during the day while people are on vacation or after having left doors and windows open in the heat of the day. Burglaries occur every 90 seconds in Canada.
Most burglars rely on concealment, speed and force to gain entry to a home. A break-in can be a very traumatic experience.
A home security system is an effective deterrent. An approved burglar and fire alarm system can save you money on your home insurance premiums.
Having a home security system, however, is no guarantee that your home won’t be yet another target of residential burglaries. There are a number of precautions you should take to secure the safety of your family.
- Always keep your windows and doors locked. Whether you are outside in your yard, or inside your home, never leave doors unlocked
- Keep your jewelery and valuables in a safe (bolted to the floor), a lock box or an off-site safety deposit box when you are out or on vacation.
- From time to time you should change the pass codes on alarms and garage doors.
- Close blinds and windows coverings and keep your garage doors locked so valuable items cannot be seen at night. Consider using privacy film or decorative glass for windows that are on or around doors. Keep any expensive electronics, art, or furniture that is easily spotted through windows, out of sight. You don’t have to redecorate your home to keep expensive items out of sight. Make small adjustments where you can. No need to tempt thieves!
- Install motion sensor lights in the backyard and near all access doors.
- Use deadbolt locks and upgrade patio/sliding glass door locks. A strong board placed in the runner track of a sliding door is an added precaution.
- Eliminate common hiding spots by trimming shrubbery and bushes close to your house.
- Never hide keys outside or leave notes informing someone you are not home.
- Don’t announce your vacation or trips on social media, to strangers or service people..
- Try to make your home appear to be occupied at all times with electronic timers on lighting and by leaving a radio on when you are out of the house.
- When you go on vacation. always have your mail and newspapers held. Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to keep up with the mowing of the lawn and putting the trash cans out and in. If you’re leaving the car at home, keep it where you normally would. Disconnect the garage door opener in your absence.
- Always change the locks if you lose a set of keys or when you move into a new home.
- Criminals commonly target unlocked cars. Don’t leave valuable, or a garage door opener in your car. Always lock your car doors.
- If you live in a condo building, always make sure the door closes behind you completely when entering or leaving the building. Report any security concerns, such as lights missing or pry marks at entrances, to your property manager.
- Make an inventory of your valuables to provide extra documentation for your insurance claim and to make the police report process easier.
If you come home and suspect someone has broken into your home, leave at once. Never confront a burglar or block his exit route. Go to a neighbors or get in your car and move away from the house to call 911.