Keep Your Home Secure Whether Away Or At Home

When it comes to home security, the statistics are surprising.
SGI Canada recently released the following stats on home invasions.

• 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.

Summer time = vacation time often providing the perfect opportunity to review how well your home stacks up against the ‘home invasion’ test.

Nothing is 100%, but there are preventive measures that will act as a deterrent to even the most professional burglars.

Securing Your Home When You Are Away.

• Enlist the support of your neighbour to cut the grass, shovel the snow, collect and put out your garbage bins, pick up parcels and mail – even park in your driveway.
• Cancel all deliveries and if someone can’t pick up your mail, pay to have it stopped.
• Maintain normal lighting patterns and consider leaving a radio on. Both of these can be managed with electronic timers.
• Avoid posting your vacation photos on social media until you return. Locating someone’s home address using basic information from their social media profile is surprisingly easy. In fact, one survey of convicted burglars, more than 10 percent said they used social media to determine who was out of town.

Securing Your Home When You’re At Home!

• Consider installing a monitored alarm system, the statistics are pretty compelling. Not only is the chance of experiencing a home invasion significantly reduced but the stats show that the amount of property stolen from homes equipped with an alarm system is reduced.
• Make your home look lived-in – particularly during the day when at work.  Stats show that most home invasions are occur during the daytime between 12:30 -2:30PM. Lock all the doors (including patio and garage doors), keep windows obfuscated – don’t make it easy for the burglars to scope out your belongings.
• Check the outside of your home. Keep shrubs trimmed from windows and doors preventing hiding places. Tall bushes offer burglars an obstructed view from the street and an easy way to hide from neighbors. A clear and well-lit view of your front porch can act as the best defense. Secure any exterior doors, possibly with dead bolt locks. Add extra security to patio doors and basement windows, an entry point for many break-ins.

What should you do if there is a break-in at your home?

• Leave immediately. Go to a neighbour’s home and contact the police.
• Never confront a burglar or bock the exit route. The safest thing to do is allow them a safe way out.

We would be thrilled to work with you and host your open house. Contact us Today!

Our team of real estate sales professionals is committed to finding you, your dream home. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the Karen Paul team is here to help with any questions.