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March 2008 - Mike Carson
Maintaining a secure home doesn’t necessarily mean purchasing
a high-priced security system. By practising some basic protective measures
that are cost effective and time efficient, you can greatly reduce the
risk of a break-in, whether you’re away for the day or an extended
period of time.
The first step in securing a home is to make it difficult for an intruder
to enter. Start by ensuring that doors and windows are locked. Statistics
show that more than 25 per cent of all break-ins occur through unlocked
doors and windows. A good idea is to upgrade an existing door lock with
a dead bolt, with at least a one-inch draw into the door jam, as simple
locks may be easily picked with credit cards and offer little security.
 Doors
with poor visibility from the street are particularly vulnerable, so be
sure to keep tree branches and hedges trimmed to avoid blocking the front
entrance from view. Sliding doors are also easy entry points for intruders
to bypass. For additional security here, place a piece of wood or steel
rod along the door track, or purchase specially made pins for tracks from
a local locksmith or hardware store, making it impossible for the doors
to be lifted from the track.
Mailboxes, doormats, and the tops of doorways are common hiding spots
for spare keys; however, they’re also the first place an intruder
will look. If you need to hide a key, be sure it’s a spot that’s
not obvious. Another good tip is to store ladders away so intruders can’t
use them to gain access. And be sure not to leave notes posted on the
door detailing when you’ll be home; why give an intruder a time
clock to work with?
If you’re going to be away for an extended period, you should take
extra precautions to safeguard your home. Leaving a furnace or the central
air on low so the motor can be heard is a simple way of telling a potential
intruder that someone will be home soon. Consider purchasing a timer that
will automatically activate and deactivate lights. And lastly, be sure
you arrange to keep the grass cut, driveway shovelled, mail collected
(or held at the post office), and newspaper delivery stopped.
It’s also important to protect your belongings to the best of your
ability. Intruders look for items that can be easily sold for quick cash.
Permanently etch your name and driver’s licence number into electronic
equipment, making it easier for the police to trace. Keep important papers
and precious jewellery in a secure, well-hidden safe or safety deposit
box, and don’t keep excess cash around the house.
For extra peace of mind, home security systems can be relatively inexpensive
and offer 24-hour protection. Systems range in sophistication and can
include door sensors, motion detectors and video monitors. Many companies
offer packages that include basic coverage, which alerts the security
company when something is amiss. For further research, sit down with a
security system’s professional to discuss a system that will fit
your budget and needs.
By taking some simple precautions, you can feel confident that your home
won’t be an easy target for a break-in.
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