CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS August 2007

Burglar Proofing Your Home – Dispelling the Myths

In 2005, over 154,000 Canadian homes were victim to a break and enter crime. Although in general, property-related crime in Canada is on the decline, there is still an opportunity to reduce this number further through discussing the facts and myths surrounding home burglary and engaging in easy, preventative measures to protect your home.

MYTH: Most robberies happen at night. According to Robbie Blais, a burglar currently serving time in an Ontario prison, he would target upper-middle class neighbourhoods during the day – when most people would be away at work. Statistics confirm this and show that over 60% of break-ins occur between 8am and 4pm during the week. It is important to make it look like you are home, even when you are not.

FACT: You can protect your home when you are not there. Lock your windows, doors and draw your blinds. Do not leave notes on the door or put signs on your lawn with your family’s name on them. The burglar can easily look up your name and call from the phone book. Turn down the ringer on your phone and don’t give away information on your whereabouts on your answering machine. Do not leave valuables on display and consider investing in a fire-proof safe to store precious items. Always arm your security system if you are not home and display your decals and lawn sign.

MYTH: Most break-ins occur through basement windows. Incorrect, nearly 80% of break-ins occur through the front door. To make your front door more secure, use a high quality, solid front door (with no glass inserts), premium deadbolt locks and doorjamb protectors. For additional information, consult a local locksmith for advice.

FACT: Neighbours can be one of your best defenses against home theft. If you go on vacation or work long hours, they can collect your mail, newspapers or watch for any suspicious behavior around your property. Consider joining your neighbourhood watch group. Additional steps you can take when you are away to protect your home include:

  • Installing timers on lights on each floor of your house
  • Leaving a radio on at all times
  • Using a locking bar or wooden dowel in the track of all sliding doors
  • Putting away patio furniture or any tools that may be in your backyard
  • Installing solar-powered motion-sensitive lights in your backyard and near the front

You have already taken the first step to securing your home by installing a security system, now you have the tools to take it one step further by making some easy changes to ensure that your home doesn’t fall victim to a crime.

For additional break-in prevention tips or crime statistics, please visit: