Security Tip

• Lock your doors and windows whenever you go out. A lot of break-ins are not break-ins at all. Many thieves simply walk in through an unlocked door or window.
• Change all your locks when you move into a new home. You never know who might have a key. Real estate agents, neighbours, friends, family and housekeepers of the previous owners may all have keys. It's best to start with a clean slate.
• Make your home look occupied at all times. Use timers to turn on lights and even a radio. Have a neighbour pick up your mail and perhaps use your garbage cans and park in your driveway while you are away.
• If your alarm frequently goes off for the wrong reasons get it fixed. Faulty alarms are annoying and often ignored so tell your neighbours that you have had your system repaired.
• Inspect and repair any faulty outdoor lighting immediately. A disabled light could be a sign of someone checking out your home. The first rule in burglar 101 is not to get caught. A good way to do this is not to be seen.
• If you lose your keys change your locks immediately and never put your name on your keys or keychain. This includes spare keys you might leave with friends or family. Use other methods like colour coding to identify your key.
• Buy good quality locks and latches. Cheap door hardware is not the place to save a few bucks. Install striker plates with 4, 3 inch screws. All doors should be equipped with 1 inch deadbolts.
• Secure any ladders and even large furniture or BBQs. Don't supply thieves with the tools they use to enter your home.
• Don't list your full name on your mailbox or even in the phone book. Use only initials and your surname.
• Turn down the ringer volume on your phones while you are away. An unanswered phone is a good clue that no one is at home. Never leave a message on your machine indicating that you are away. A generic message asking callers to leave a message is the best idea.
• Do your exterior doors open outward? If so a thief may gain entry to your home by popping out the hinge pins. Replace the hinges with "security" hinges. These have special tabs to secure the door even if the pin is removed.
• Check your door frames for rot or damaged jams. A lock is only as good as the frame it is secured to. Solid wood or metal doors are ideal. All other things being equal, your best line of defence is a good lock and a solid door.
• Frost the glass or install window treatments in your garage. This can keep a thief from knowing if your car is at home or not.
• The risk of being seen is more of a deterrent than a lock. Design your landscaping with that in mind. Trim shrubbery away from windows and doors. Install lighting to keep entrances well lit.
• Be VERY careful with the information that you post online. Updating your Facebook status with your vacation plans is not a good idea. Too much personal information on the internet is an invitation for trouble.
• Don't leave a key under the doormat or under the flowerpot. Seriously everyone, including thieves know that one. It is best not to leave a spare key on your property at all. If you have to, leave one with a trusted neighbour or 2.
• Display your alarm systems identification stickers and signs prominently. Advertising that you have an alarm system is your first line of defence. Don't sacrifice this important feature for the sake of aesthetics.