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The Best Offence is a Good Defence - Home Security

Home security is uppermost in the minds of most homeowners, but for single women, the issue is an even greater concern. One of the first things you should always do when you move into a new home is to change the locks. You just don’t know how many copies of the previous owner’s keys are floating around.

There are several ways to protect your home but one of the easiest is just by getting to know your neighbours. Having someone who knows you on sight, knows your routine and with whom you can leave keys and emergency phone numbers is a valuable tool in crime prevention.

Get involved in the crime prevention programs available in your neighbourhood and post notices stating so. (In Vancouver, you can call Block Watch 604-717-2857). This lets thieves and vandals know that you and your neighbours are willing to work together and that your neighbourhood is not an easy mark. No crook is willing to risk robbing a neighbourhood that is pro-actively fighting crime. They’d rather move on to an easier target.

Work with your neighbours to keep your neighbourhood well tended. Run down areas with graffiti and litter tell a potential burglar that no one cares or is willing to extend themselves and that his chances of being spotted are slim. A well tended neighbourhood tells criminals that the people living there care about their neighbourhood and each other and the chances of him being spotted are pretty good.

Staying vigilant extends to the inside of your apartment building as well. Unknown or suspicious persons trying to get into your building should be referred to the management company, building security or the superintendent. Here are some basic tips to prevent potential thieves from accessing your building through the front door:

• Do not allow strangers to enter the building when you’re leaving or entering. Cooperate with all other tenants in keeping the main outer doors locked at all times.
• Do not buzz anyone into the building whom you weren’t expecting or do not know.
• Use only your first initial on the lobby directory, doorbell, mailbox and phone directory.
• Do not leave notes on your apartment door or on the lobby directory.
• If keys are lost or if you move, locks should be changed.
• If you see a stranger carrying items out of a neighbours apartment, CALL 911.

One of the most useful tools of all in crime prevention is 911. Many people believe that the police do not want to be called if something suspicious is happening. This is not true. In fact, there are specific instances where you should always call the police:

• Unusual noises, such as someone screaming for help
• A vehicle that seems to be casing the neighbourhood
• Furniture being removed from homes when the owners are on vacation or at work
• An abandoned car
• A stranger looking into homes or parked cars
• Unusual activities of pets such as the repeated barking of a dog that is normally quiet
• A solicitor going door-to-door who doesn’t have proper identification.

Deadbolts, home alarms and timers are all good ideas. But the easiest way to deter criminals is by knowing who your neighbours are and building your neighbourhood into a community committed to helping each other. And remember, when in doubt, call the police. They want you to.