Going on an extended trip? Leave a car parked in the driveway as it gives the appearance that someone is always home.
Going away over the holidays? Don’t use your home address with your luggage tags. Instead, use your office address or a cell phone number.
Work late? If so, get in the habit of having your house key ready so you won’t fumble with them at the door. Or, get a keyless entry.
Is your home well lit? An intruder’s greatest fear is being seen. Good exterior lighting around your perimeter creates a psychological barrier.
Got deadbolts? Most burglaries are the result of forced entry. Make sure all exterior doors have deadbolts with at least a 1” throwbolt.
Lock your doors 24/7. 50 percent of all break-ins are through unlocked doors!
Going out of town? Give your neighbour a house key so they can check in. Better yet, install a Powerbolt and provide them with a temporary code.
Help the police help you! Make sure you keep your street address visible. If affixing numbers to you house, they should be at least four inches high, reflective and visible from the street.
Park your car outside? Always lock your car and consider taking your garage door opener with you instead of leaving it in the vehicle.
Been at the same house for a while? Replace your outside locks as you’ve probably given out your house key a lot through the years.
Got a hectic schedule? Keep it to yourself. Don’t leave any specific information on your answering machine other than a cell phone number.
Backyard secure? Consider installing a fence and planting fast-growing bushes as an extra barrier around the exterior of your home.
Band together! Start a neighbourhood watch program – it’s the most effective method of keeping your home safe.
Keep an extra key outside your house? Stop! Burglars know all the hiding spots. Instead, leave a key with a trusted neighbor. Better yet, install a keyless entry system.