1. Securing Your Home

  • Lock up your home, even if you go out only for a short time. Many burglars just walk in through an unlocked door or window.
  • Install security doors and burglar bars.
  • Keep your garage door closed and locked, even when your car is not in the garage.

2. Creating the Illusion of Occupancy

  • Your house should appear occupied at all times. Use timers to switch lights and radios on and off when you’re not at home.
  • If the entrances to your home are dark, consider installing lighting with an infrared detector. Most thieves don’t want to be observed trying to get in a door.

3. Alarm and Security Systems

  • If you have a faulty alarm that frequently goes off, get it fixed immediately and tell your neighbours that it’s been repaired. Many people ignore an alarm that goes off periodically.

4. Neighborhood Awareness

  • Talk to your neighbours about any suspicious people or strange cars you notice lurking about.
  • If someone comes to your door asking to use the phone to call a mechanic or the police, keep the door locked and make the call yourself.

5. Landscaping for Security

  • Trees located near windows or shrubbery that might shield a burglar from view can be major flaws in your home-protection plan. Consider your landscaping plan in light of your protection needs.

6. Deterring Burglars

  • Dogs are good deterrents to burglars. Even a small, noisy dog can be effective — burglars do not like to have attention drawn to their presence.