Preventing Break-ins

A home invasion can be one of the most unsettling things a person can experience. In the last 10 years in Vancouver, residential break-and-enter crimes have increased by almost 50%. One of the best ways to prevent theft is good old-fashioned information, so we've compiled a list of steps you can take to make your home more secure.

Robbery is a crime of opportunity - don't give a thief an open invitation.

Lock up!

Whether you are going on a holiday, a trip to the supermarket, or simply out to your backyard - lock your doors. Use a good lock - one that can't be opened without a key, not even from the inside.

Keep your valuables out of sight.

There's no sense advertising what you have that might be worth stealing - keep your valuables out of sight.

Leave a radio on.

Nothing is quite as effective as leaving the impression that your home is occupied. Tuning into a talk show is a good idea. Place the radio at a front window, with the volume turned low.

Get to know your neighbors.

Trusted neighbors can be invaluable, keeping an eye out for strangers while you are away for short or long periods of time. Before leaving on a trip, leave the keys with a neighbor who can turn your lights and radio on and off, open and close your curtains, water your plants, bring in the paper, mow your lawn, shovel the snow, move your car or park their car in your driveway.

• Turn out the lights in the morning and turn them on at night.
• Open the curtains and blinds in the morning and draw them closed in the evening.
• Install a home security system.
• Install sensor lights that reveal an intruder's presence outside of your dwelling.
• Keep the shrubbery trimmed near your doors and windows so that they are visible from the street.
• Purchase a few timers.
• Have lights turned on when you are away at night. Have lights turn on in more than one room.