Having security on your Home can act as a precautionary measure to protect you against burglary and theft. Installing a minimum level of security can make all the difference to help prevent an intruder coming into your Home when unattended, such as:
- key-operated two-cylinder deadlocks fitted to all external hinged doors and/or
- key-operated lock or patio bolts fitted to all external sliding doors
PLUS one of the following:
- key-operated single cylinder window locks fitted to all accessible windows
- security grills or security screens fitted to all accessible windows
- local type burglar alarm system installed in the home
In addition to these measures, here are some easy steps to assist in making your home safer.
- Get new locks or have tumblers reset when you move into a previously occupied dwelling. You have no way of knowing who might have keys to your door.
- Don’t hide keys outside the door; under mats, flowerpots, over mouldings etc. If you can hide it, a burglar can find it. If you want an extra key nearby, leave it with a trusted neighbour.
- Have good, safe locks on all doors. Use auxiliary dead bolt locks on all exterior doors. Lock the doors when you go out - even for just a minute.
- Install an alarm that can be used to detect entry or smoke. Post stickers on doors and windows advertising your residence has an alarm.
- Don’t let strangers go into your home. Ask for identification. People on legitimate business will be glad to show identification.
- Report broken streetlights in your neighbourhood. Well-lit areas discourage burglars by taking away their hiding places.
- Use metal grillwork on glass in entrance doors and decorative side glass to prevent burglars from breaking the glass and reaching inside to open the door.
- Report to police any strangers loitering in your neighbourhood or people asking strange questions about your whereabouts.
- Store ladders inside. Don’t leave them loose outside. If you can’t put it safely inside, lock it securely. Suggest your neighbours follow this rule on ladders, too.
- Put things away. Don’t leave articles on footpaths, lawns, verandas or areas easily accessible to the general public.
- Be alert for unusual activities. If you see an unknown person loitering in or around a neighbour’s yard, don’t be afraid to check their identity with your neighbour on the phone.
- Close garage doors whether home or away. Opened - and empty usually indicated an empty home, and often allows easy access to entryway, unseen from the street.
- When working in an attic, cellar or any place away from the main area of the house - Lock up.
- Secure all entrances at night & when leaving, including garage doors, sun deck & porch doors etc.
- Secure patio doors. They should lock from the inside... but a strip of wood placed in the inside track will prevent sliding the door open from the outside.
- Use lights effectively. Leave several on in different parts of the house when you go out. Outside entrance lights and post lights illuminate possible hiding places around your house.
- Have effective window locks. Drilling through the top of the bottom window sash & the bottom of the top sash and inserting a small nail into the hole can make a safe unobtrusive lock.
- Vary your routine. If you follow the same routine week in and week out, a would-be burglar could watch your movements and know when your house is likely to be empty.
- Keep few valuables in your home. Money, jewellery, furs, etc. are safer in a storage vault or safe deposit box.
- Keep the mailbox empty. If you are away arrange with a neighbour to have circulars, etc., taken out of the box.
Security tips when going away on your holidays
You don’t want to be worrying about your house and belongs while on holidays, so here are a few tips to deter would be thieves.
- Have lawns mowed and yard work kept up.
- Put things away. Outdoor furniture, bicycles etc. should be put away.
- Stop all deliveries (or have someone pick up deliveries daily).
- Notify police and a trusted neighbour of your planned absence and the length of time you will be gone.
- Don’t discuss your absence in public, and don’t give information about your vacation to the newspapers - you can give details when you return.
- Move valuables so that they can’t be seen from any windows. Be sure you have a list of small appliances and valuables.
- Arrange inspection by a trusted neighbour if you will be gone more than a few days - to be sure nothing has been disturbed.
- Don’t close the blinds, pull shades down or do other things that advertise that the house is empty.
- Use a clock-timer or a photoelectric relay to turn lights on and off at certain times, giving the house an occupied look.
- Alter lighting pattern. Added protection can be achieved if you have your neighbour rearrange the time-controlled lights every few days.
- In case of a break-in, your neighbour should know how to reach you and your insurance agent – and you should have this information for the police when reporting a suspected burglary.