Home Security

Our homes are very important to us, and there are many steps you can take to ensure your home is safer and more secure. Crime prevention strategies aim to reduce the risk of crimes while educating possible victims about measures that can be taken to protect themselves.

Enhancing Security

Did you know that in approximately half of all residential break-ins, thieves simply entered through unlocked doors or windows?

Ensure your address is clearly visible to emergency responders at all times. If you have a laneway, post your address at the rear of your house as well.

Trim your trees and bushes that could hide thieves. Trees growing near your house could also help a thief enter through an unlocked upper storey window.

Create a nightly routine for your household (for example, make sure the last person to bed checks that the windows, doors and vehicle(s) are locked).

When at home, lock your doors. Even when you are in your backyard, lock your front and back doors.

Consider keeping blinds/curtains closed at night. This is so people can’t peer inside household.

Do not leave ladders out. Thieves are opportunists, and could take the ladder, or use it to get into higher levels of your home.

Have an emergency kit prepared. You never know when you will need one. It's always good to be prepared.

Never leave your children home alone. Every child is different, but most maturity skills to deal with an emergency situation don’t come until later in life.

Be wary of strangers coming to your door. Never open the door if you are unsure.

Do not put boxes from valuable items such as a TV, computer or stereo in the recycling bin. This is how people can see what you have purchased. This keeps the identity of your purchases private and does not alert burglars of the contents in your home.

Doors 

Outside doors and frames should be made of solid wood or steel, and frames should fit snugly against the door. Upgrade screws to the door frame strike plate that is mounted to the door jamb.  A minimum of 3” screws is recommended.  

Glass around an outside door should be unbreakable or at least 40 inches from the lock. To keep the door from being lifted off its track, install screws or a plate that extends down from the top track.

For added security you can also consider a floor mounted door stop, which is more effective than a door chain.

Garage doors can be secured using a lock on the side of the inside door.

Hinges should be attached securely by screws that go through the door frame into the supporting stud, and are not exposed on the outside. Replace outside hinges with non-removable hinges that are available commercially.

To see visitors, use a wide-angle viewer instead of a chain lock, as you don’t need to open the door.

Change your locks if you lose your keys or when you move into a new home.

Windows

Windows are generally a weak link when it comes to residential security. They can be pried open or broken, lifted from their tracks and the panes removed. There are numerous ways to increase the security to windows:

Have secure, lockable basement windows. 

Any window not used as a fire exit can be secured by nailing or screwing it permanently closed or adding security bars.

Vertical sliding (double hung) or horizontally sliding windows can be secured with a nail, metal pin or specially designed lock.

Windows with keyless latches, such as casement and awning windows, can be secured by simply replacing the keyless latch with a keyed latch slide bolt. An alternative to fixing a keyless latch is to simply drill a hole through the latch and insert a removable pin.

Sliding door windows can be closed and blocked with a piece of wood/ broom handle in the track of sliding glass doors to prevent exterior doors from being opened from the outside.

Basement windows can be secured with grillwork, guards, and bar mechanisms, which can be installed with one-way screws, pins, or padlocks. Ensure that at least one window can be opened for possible escape, and that all basement windows in bedroom areas are operable for safety reasons. Another method of adding security to the glazing (glass area) of a window is to apply a shatter resistant film which strengthens the glass area should it be attacked.

Glass areas can also be covered or even replaced with Lucite (high impact acrylic sheeting) which can survive attack without being broken unless very extreme force is used, which will usually take too much time and cause too much noise.

Locks

Deadbolts should be used instead on all exterior doors. The minimum length of the throw should be 1 in. or 2.5cm, and the surrounding collar of the deadbolt should be made of good quality material or have a freely rotating slip ring. A strike plate, which is the flat metal plate on the door frame that received the locks throw or bolt, should be minimum 6-8 inches and installed with long screws that pass through the door frame and into the wall stud.

Another type of bolt that can be used is the bolt rim lock, which has two vertically moving deadbolts that lock into a frame-mounted striker above and below the door. These locks are suitable for wooden frames or where there are windows on the sides of the door preventing proper installation of a deadbolt. These locks provide good to excellent security, depending on the quality, and are more resistant to crowbars.

To further add to the already increased security offered by a good quality deadbolt lock, the addition of a steel reinforcement device to both the door and frame greatly increases strength. Such a system is cost effective and simple to install.

Garage

A well-secured garage not only protects your vehicles and tools but also enhances the overall safety of your home. By Implementing effective safety measures and being proactive in safeguarding your garage, you can significantly reduce the risk of theft and unauthorized access.

Garages are a favourite target because they often store power tools and bicycles.

Secure garage windows with bars or plexiglass.

Doors from the outside of your house should swing inward, be solid core, and have deadbolt locks. For doors that are not used often (ex. sheds, outbuildings), consider installing a door sensor which can be set to emit an alarm that deters someone from entering.

Keep your garage locked, even when you are home. Always lock the main door between the garage and residence.

Lock vehicles that are inside the garage.

Install lights near your garage to keep the area lit.

When you are not inside your garage, close the overhead door to ensure no one can remove any belongings or break into your house.

Be sure the overhead door closes completely after you drive in or out of your garage.

Consider using tracking devices (e.g. Air Tags or GPS trackers) for your vehicle and any other valuables.

Alarms 

A reliable home security system not only provides peace of mind but also acts as a deterrent to potential intruders. By understanding the importance of a secure home environment and implementing robust security measures, you can enhance the protection of your residence and ensure the safety of your loved ones and belongings. Installing an electronic home security system is an effective way to protect your home. If you choose an unmonitored alarm, let your neighbours know to call police if they hear it go off. If your alarm is monitored, your alarm company will contact police.

Some things to consider when choosing an alarm:

Choose an alarm that does not use telephone wires to send its signal to the alarm company to prevent disabling your alarm by cutting the phone wires.

Look into a Wifi enabled alarm through a smart phone.

Ask for recommendations from friends that have alarm systems or from your insurance agent.

Never share your password or security code for the alarm with someone.

Check your alarm company’s standing with the Canadian Alarm and Security Association, or the Better Business Bureau.

Your alarm won’t protect you if you don’t turn it on, and is only one step toward preventing break-ins.

In Your Yard 

The following outdoor belongings are often targeted by thieves:

Ladders: If you keep ladders out be sure to chain or padlock them. A ladder can be used to gain entry to second story windows. If at all possible, store ladders in a shed or garage.

Tools: Put tools away after a day of yard work. Lock them in a shed or in an enclosed garage area. Screwdrivers, hammers, and pry bars can be used to break into your home, garage or vehicle.

Tables and Chairs: Use a chain or cable to lock your patio furniture.

Bicycles and other ride-on toys: Always put them in a garage or shed. If you do not have either, lock them to something that can’t be moved.

Trim trees and bushes: Overgrown areas could conceal burglars, especially around windows and doors.

Keep your yard maintained to give the house a lived-in appearance: Cut grass, rake leaves, remove dead branches and debris.

Ensure your fence and gate are in good repair: Check your home for damage that may need to be fixed.

Mow your lawn and keep your yard clean: An untended lawn is a potential sign that you don’t care about your home and may have left a way in.

Install motion-sensitive outside lights: This is to brighten dark areas around doors and windows.

Keep your gate locked at all times and ensure the lock works properly: A lock or latch that self closes and can be padlocked when you are away is recommended. You could also install privacy slats in chain link fences.

Plant spikey plants (fire resistant) along the perimeter of your yard and under windows to deter intruders.   

In Your Community

When it comes to community safety, prioritizing crime prevention is key to fostering a secure environment for all residents. By promoting awareness, cooperation, and proactive measures within the community, we can work together to deter criminal activities and enhance the overall safety and well-being of our neighbourhood.

Get to know your neighbours – residents should become familiar with the routine in their neighbourhoods.

Be aware of strangers and look out for each other.

Leave keys and emergency phone numbers with a trusted neighbour.

Keep up appearances – a well tended neighbourhood is less attractive to criminals and vandals.

Apartments, Suites, Townhouses and Condos

Apartments, townhouses and condos require additional strategies for home security; focusing on crime prevention is crucial to ensuring the safety of residents and their properties. By implementing effective safety measures and fostering a sense of community vigilance, a secure living environment can be created for all occupants. Proactive strategies, such as enhanced building security and encouraging open communication among residents, play a vital role in deterring criminal activities and maintaining a safe and harmonious living space for everyone.

Make sure that all locks have been changed since the last tenants have moved out, as previous tenants may still have copies of keys. Upgrade screws to the door frame strike plate that is mounted to the door jamb.  A minimum of 3” screws is recommended.  

If you lose your keys, immediately replace your locks.

Do not put your salutation (Miss, Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.) on intercom panels or mailboxes.

Do not list your full name on the tenant directory board.

Make sure your intercom system does not use your suite numbers as an index.

Remove labels from doors that identify common areas.

Request that windows be installed on doors leading to common areas such as stairways, parking lot or garage, laundry room etc.

Do not admit anyone you don’t know to your building complex. If you see anyone concerning in your vestibule, call police.

Never buzz anyone you do not know into the building for any reason. If someone has a legitimate excuse of being inside the complex area, arrangements would have been previously made with the tenant and/or property owner.

Refer unknown or suspicious people trying to get into the building to the manager, superintendent or security.

Do not leave notes on your apartment door or on the lobby directory.

When entering or leaving the parking garage, watch the door close completely before driving off.

Be involved in your complex or building. Get to know the other residents so you know who belongs.

Get to know other people who live on your floor so you may be able to identify strangers. Good neighbours look after each other.

Stay alert when entering your apartment complex. Do not become distracted by talking on your cellphone. Criminals look for a weak target and are more likely to pass up someone who appears focused, aware, and strong.

Report any poor lit areas such as entranceways, hallways, etc. or any overgrown shrubbery around your complex to the property owner.

Ensure that children know that they are not to open the door for anyone.

Discourage entering and leaving by patio doors.

Use your peephole if you have one.

Lock up- even if its for a quick errand.

Suite doors should have peepholes. If you do not have one, request that the property owner installs one for you.

Always lock your door even if you will only be out of your suite for a short period. It only takes seconds for a criminal to enter your suite through an unlocked door.

Collect your newspaper and other packages on a daily basis and never let your mailbox overflow.

Keep a broom handle or longer piece of wood in the track of sliding glass doors to prevent exterior doors from being open from the outside.

Elevator Safety

Look to see who is in the elevator before entering. If someone looks suspicious, do not enter and wait for the next one to come.

When inside the elevator, stand near the control panel so you can easily press the alarm/emergency button if necessary.

If a suspicious person enters the elevator when you are already on, exit before the doors close.

Victim of Theft?

Report your stolen property to police, otherwise it makes it more difficult for us to find you if we find your property first.

You can look on social media/buy and sell sites for your property.

If you find it, DO NOT contact the seller, call your local police department 250-354-3919.  

If you post your property as stolen on social media and you receive information, contact police with the information. DO NOT investigate on your own.

If you suspect an item you may be purchasing is stolen, you can check the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) first.  https://www.cpic-cipc.ca/index-eng.htm

Worried about your bike?

Register it first!

Garage 529 is a bike registration system that uses tamper-resistant decals to track and shield bikes from potential theft. There are over 400 law enforcement agencies, universities, and bike clubs/shops that use the Garage 529 app within North America. With Garage 529, thousands of bikes have been recovered and returned to their rightful owners.

Going on Vacation?

If you are going on vacation or going to be away from your home or apartment for several days, create the illusion that someone is staying in your home. Vacation is a time for fun and enjoyment. You could make your trips more enjoyable and carefree if you use a few of these simple steps to reduce the possibility that your house will be burglarized or vandalized while you are gone. A vacant house, or one that appears to be unoccupied, is an appealing target for a burglar.

Leave your home in the care of someone you trust and let them know where you can be reached in case of emergency.

Arrange to have your mail and newspapers picked up, your grass cut, the leaves raked or the snow removed as necessary.

Have a neighbour check both inside and outside the house every few days.

Ask you neighbour to park their vehicle in your driveway while you are gone.

Use timers on interior lights when you are going to be away or just out for the evening. These can be set to turn on the lights and radio or television on and off intermittently to give the appearance that someone is home.

Turn the ringer on your telephone off or set your voicemail to pick up on the second ring.

Install security lights around the perimeter of your house.

Never leave a note or voicemail indicating you are not home.

Do not advertise your vacation plans on social media platforms or answering machine.

Leave shades, blinds, and curtains in normal positions.

Do not put your address on your luggage tags. Your name, phone number and email will be sufficient for someone to contact you in the event of lost or delayed luggage. Consider using tracking devices (e.g. Air Tags) for valuables.

If the overhead garage door is roller and track operated, install a lock in the track to block the roller and disconnect your automatic garage door opener before you go on vacation.

Have a neighbor or trusted friend put some garbage or recycling out at the end of your driveway on garbage/recycle day.

LED lighting with a timer is very cost effective.

Document Your Property

If your property is stolen, please report it. If police recover it, having the details documented and/or photographed will increase the chance your property will be returned to you. You can also engrave some property with your driver’s license number.

Record your property on paper, in an electronic spreadsheet, or on video, and note the following:

  • Item.
  • Serial number.
  • Make.
  • Model.
  • Colour.
  • Any identifying or unique marks.
  • Price paid.
  • Date purchased.

Suspicious Activity? Call 911

We want you to call us if something suspicious is happening. Call 911 as it’s happening or 250-354-3919 if there is a time delay of more than 15 minutes.

More information on calling 911

If You Experience a Break-In

If you come home and see things are not quite how you left them- a slit screen, a broken window or an open door, don’t go in- call 911. Fewer than 3% of break-ins occur when someone is home. If you do surprise a thief, don’t confront them. Leave safely if you can and call police. Otherwise, lock yourself in a room with a phone and then call 911.

Below you will find some excellent Canadian websites with some repeating information and further detailed information on how to secure your home and prevent theft as much as possible.

If you would like further assistance to discuss safety and security of your residence, please contact Nelson Police Department Victim Services at 250-505-5657 or visit the website at www.nelsonpolice.ca