• Many burglars will spend no longer than 60 seconds trying to break into a home.
• The more a burglar has to work, the less chance you have of becoming a victim.
• A burglar will bypass your home if it requires too much effort or requires more skill and tools than they have.
• Burglars choose unoccupied homes with the easiest access, the greatest amount of cover, and with the best escape routes.
• A burglar is less likely to attempt to enter a well-lit residence.
• Most burglars enter homes through an open or unlocked window or door.
• One out of every four burglaries involves forced entry.
• The most common way used to force entry through a door with a wooden frame is to kick it open.
• The majority of home burglaries occur during the daytime when people are away at work or at school.
• Most home burglars are looking for things that are small, expensive, and can be converted to cash
  • Jewellery
  • Watches
  • Laptop computers

• Install peephole Intercom systems on exterior doors
• Install deadbolt locks on all exterior entrances
• Never hide your keys outside.
  • Give an extra key to a friend or family member instead.
• Plant some thorny bushes around windows and walkways.
• Ensure that all windows have working locks
• Secure back doors and entrances in the same manner as front entrances.
• For sliding glass door use security doors or window pins.
  • Track fillers or a wood pole to prevent the door from being forced open.
  • Use locking devices that secure the doors to the frame or track.
• Add sufficient lighting to the back and sides of your home.
• Make sure to keep your garage door closed, even if you're only going to be away for a few minutes.
• Make a list of your valuables - DVD's, Stereos, Computers, Jewellery.
  • Take photos of the items, list their serial numbers and description.
• Place highly visible decals on the glass door near the latch mechanism that indicates that an alarm system or a dog in place.

• Never leave an "I'm away!" message on your answering machine.
• Ask a neighbour to use your garbage cans. An empty garbage can is a tip-off that you are away.
• Use timers for lights, televisions and sound systems to turn them on and off at different times.
• When appropriate (longer holiday) keep the grass cut.
• Don't let newspapers and mail accumulate.
  • If you can't arrange to have them picked-up have your deliveries held at post office.
• Use motion detector activated exterior lighting.
• Test your alarm system a week before you're scheduled to leave, that way any problems can be taken care of before you go.
• Ensure that anyone who will be checking your home while you're away knows how to work your alarm system.
  • Make sure they have all the necessary info and access codes.
• A security system is not something that you should buy off the shelf; it should be customized to meet your needs and finances.
• An on-site evaluation by the alarm company is required before an educated quote can be provided to you.

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