Do You Know the Basics of Home Security?
Most people feel confident about the basics of 
home security. For example: Keep all doors locked. Have a light on in the house while away. Never hide a key outside in an obvious place, like under the mat. Yet, almost a million and a half (WOW!) properties get burglarized in North America each year. So how can you prevent that from happening to your home? Here are a few less known home security basics:
- Actually, never hide a key outside. Thieves know all the hiding places. Instead, make sure all family members have a key.
- Two-thirds of home burglaries occur during the day. So be extra vigilant about making sure doors and windows are locked while you're away at work during the day.
- Surprisingly, most thieves are not daring. They are 2.7 times more likely to target a home without an alarm system. At the very least, nave some signs prominently displaying an alarm company. Sometimes, merely see these signs will make the burglar move on.
- Thieves will attempt to force entry through
sliding-style doors and windows first. So make sure these have a locking bar or extra bolt lock. - Surprising, 40% of household burglaries do not involve forced entry. The thief is able to slip in through an unlocked window or door.
- Don't show off possessions! An imported racing bike/fancy ski-doo parked next to the garage or expensive audio equipment clearly seen through a window, is an invitation to burglars.
- Take a look at the lighting and landscaping around your property. Are there spots where a thief could easily hide? If so, make some changes like add motion enabled lights.
- When planning a trip, have a trusted neighbor or family pick up newspapers, flyers and anything else that may accumulate at your front door.
If crime rate is a major concern for you, Edmonton has a crime map, where you can see hhow much crime has taken place over the last few months in all communities. Check it out!
