How to Secure Your Home

Whether you live in a house, a condo or an apartment, a break-in can permanently shatter your feeling of security at home. Here is a security checklist:

• Secure your home with quality locks on doors and windows.
  
• Make your home look occupied all the time. Leave a light or lights on when you're away, preferably with an automatic timing device.
  
• Take care of your keys; don't give others a chance to duplicate them.
  
• Don't hide spare keys outside your home, instead give one to a trusted neighbour.
  
• If you leave for an extended time, stop deliveries, such as mail and newspaper.
  
• Don't let strangers in or let them know when you'll be away. Don't leave notes for friends or family that could give this sort of information to burglars.
  
• Don't tell strangers your daily routines or invite them into your home.
  
• Avoid telling others about the valuables in your home.
  
• If you have children, discuss home security with them, such as not talking with strangers about their home, its contents or family schedules.
  
• Have police and a trusted neighbour check your home if you are away for very long.
  
• Insure your possessions and keep an up-to-date inventory.
  
• Record serial numbers or identifying marks on theft-prone items.
  
• Keep valuables in a safe deposit box.
  
• Find out about burglar alarm systems and install one.
  
• Eliminate easy hiding places. For example, keep shrubs and trees close to the house trimmed.
  
• Trim lower branches of trees near your house if they could help a burglar gain access to a second story window.
  
• If you live in an apartment, notify management if you notice security safety concerns.