How To Prevent Break-Ins

Crime Statistics

• A residential break-in happens every 90 seconds in Canada.
• More than 80% of break-ins occur during daylight hours.
• Most illegal entries are made by amateur burglars without the use of sophisticated tools.
• Most burglars enter through a basement or ground-floor door or window.
• Most burglars rely on concealment, speed and force to gain entry to a home.

Crime Prevention Tips

Crimeproofing The Inside Of Your Home

Securing Your Premises

• Close blinds and curtains at night so that a burglar can't scope out your belongings.
• Lock all doors and windows before leaving your home.
• Lock windows so that they can't be opened from the outside. If they can't be locked, you can pin them by drilling a hole through both window frames and inserting a bolt or metal pin. The pin must be easily removable in emergency situations.

Making Your Home Look Occupied At All Times

• Use timers to maintain normal lighting patterns.
• Leave a radio on when you are away from your home for short periods of time.

Protecting Your Valuables

• Consider marking or engraving your valuables with a unique identifier known only to you.
• Take an inventory of your home on a videotape and/or in photographs.
• Keep jewelry and negotiables in a safety deposit box or an unlikely place (e.g., not your bedroom).

Crimeproofing The Outside Of Your Home

Monitored Alarm Systems

Securing Your Premises

• Keep your shrubbery cut back so it doesn't block windows and doors.
• Illuminate as much of your property as possible.
• Exterior doors should be solid, not hollow. Metal doors provide the best protection against forced entry.
• Use a fencing style that won't conceal a burglar's activities. Remember, if you can't see out, others can't see in.
• Secure any glass that is less than 100 cm or 40 inches from a door lock. Either coat exterior glass with an acrylic or polycarbonate to strengthen, or replace it with laminated or tempered glass.
• Door hinges that are on the outside should have a non-removable centre pin that can't be tampered with.
• Install deadbolt locks.
• Place hinged security bars over basement windows. Remember to keep the key nearby in case of emergency.
• Pin sliding patio doors together when closed. Another easy security step is to drill a hole in the upper track and insert a screw that extends out into the runner to prevent the door from being lifted up and out of its track.
• Ensure that a burglar cannot access the roof from high trees or a ladder left outside.

What Not To Do

• Don't install a nameplate outside of your home with your full name. A burglar can use this information to find your number in the phone book and call to see if you are home.
• Don't leave a note on the door or in the mailbox telling a friend or family member that you aren't home.
• Don't leave spare keys in an obvious place such as the mailbox or under a door mat.
• Don't leave cash and handbags in plain sight in your home.
• Don't leave any doors unlocked when you are at the other end of your home or in your yard.

While You Are On Vacation

• Stop all mail delivery.
• Arrange for a neighbour to cut the grass or shovel snow.
• Cancel all deliveries during the time you will be away.
• Maintain normal lighting patterns by using electronic timers.
• Leave a radio on, with a timer if necessary, to simulate normal use.
• Ask a neighbour to park in your driveway.<
• Arrange for neighbours to pick up flyers.
• Don't talk about your vacation plans with strangers or service people.
• Use your work address on your luggage tags so a potential burglar can't locate your home.
• Lock your garage door.

What To Do If Your Home Is Burglarized

• Don't stay - always think of your safety first.
• Never confront a burglar or block the exit route.
• Immediately go to a neighbour's home or nearby location and contact the police.
• Upon the discovery of a break-in, and after the incident has been reported to the police, you should contact your insurance broker to arrange a time to meet with an adjuster.