"We believe that by putting criminals and the crimes they commit under the spotlight, we have a better chance of protecting our children, loved ones and ourselves, from the influence of crime"

Home Security

Many homes have inadequate security. They are, literally, easy for a burglar to enter. Many victims say the worst part of a burglary was not the value of the stolen goods, but the feeling of having their home 'violated'. So its doubly smart to act before the burglar comes.

 Lock it!
 Roughly one third of all home burglaries occur because a door or window was left unlocked, or even open. Today its just smart to make it a habit to lock doors and windows.

 Look 'Lived In'
 A key to preventing crime is to always have your home looking "lived in". Make it a habit always to keep your garage doors closed, so a burglar can't see that you're away. At night, leave a light on in some inner halls or rooms if you are going out. An inexpensive automatic timer can turn lamps and a radio on after dark.
For weekend or longer trips, arrange to have your mail and newspaper picked up daily by a trusted neighbour. Also arrange to have your lawn cut and the drapes closed at night and opened in the morning. For Vacation safety tips click here.

 Locks
 A good lock is very important. The popular key-in-the-knob locks are not very effective. Install a 2.5cm deadbolt on all exterior doors.
Patio doors are popular targets for burglars and thieves, as many of them can be lifted out of their tracks and removed. To prevent this, install metal screws in the door's upper track. These screws will fill the space above the door, preventing it from clearing the lower track. Patio doors can also be pinned like windows or locked with a commercial lock.

 Doors
 All exterior doors should be of a solid-core construction, 4.5 cm thick with a 180° peephole. Door frames should also be of a solid construction and have a proper security strike plate. Avoid hollow core and glass doors. You should never open the door unless you know who is on the outside.

 Windows
 Windows pose a definite threat to home security. Install high-quality backup locks on all your windows if they can be pried open easily. There are several types of commercial window locks available to homeowners. Ask a reputable home security supplier which lock is suitable for your needs.
Another reinforcement method is "pinning." Drill a 0.5 cm hold through the inside window frame and into the outside frame. Secure the window by placing a commercial pin or a large nail through the hole. Double-hung windows and sliding aluminum windows can also be pinned.
Basement windows are a common entry point for burglars. Windows hidden by bushes or trees give intruders an ideal place to work. Replace basement windows with a tough, clear, unbreakable plastic that's mar-resistant, or install decorative security bars over glass windows. Bar windows from the inside and ensure they open easily in case of emergency.
Windows that are seldom used should be permanently secured. Remove any bushes, trees or other obstructions (e.g. sheds) that hide windows from view.

 Garages
 Garages are another popular target for burglars. Keep curtains over your garage windows so thieves can't window shop or check to see if your car is there. Install inward swinging solid-core doors with deadbolts on your attached garage door. Use a good padlock for the garage door and keep it locked, even when you are home. If you have an automatic garage door opener, customize your remote to ensure that you are the only one who can open your garage.

 If a burglary has occurred during your absence....
 Do not enter the house in case the intruder is still there. Use a neighbour's phone or your cell phone to call police immediately!
Do not touch anything...wait for police to arrive.
Have a record of the serial numbers of missing items. Anything without a serial number should be marked with your driver's licence number. This increases your chances of having missing property returned to you. For more information on Operation Identification (click here).

© 2013   Created by Rick Newcombe.

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service