Cst. Khoa Hoang is the manager of the Somerset Community Police Centre
There is nothing more comforting after a long day than coming home.
But even that can quickly turn into a nightmare if your personal space has been violated. The thought of some stranger going through your belongings and walking around uninvited can be extremely traumatic.
Our homes may consist of young children, expectant mothers, and elderly parents, increasing our sensitivity to unwanted criminals who might cross our paths. We may try to lessen the odds by installing bars in windows, alarm systems, and keeping a watchful eye. But do any of those methods actually work?
Fear tactics as a form of advertisement is an effective way alarm companies convince you to buy into their product. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford the monthly monitoring fees ranging from $20 – $40 per month. And with additional charges costing $130 every time police arrive to investigate a false alarm, not everyone can afford the luxury.
It should come as no surprise that summer months bring out higher rates of theft and residential break-ins. But even with all the improved technology we're surrounded by, break & enters, for the most part, have not changed much over the years. Techniques and strategies for getting into your home are still the same from decades ago.
Trees and shrubs provide natural concealment and are one of the most commonly overlooked items when securing a home. When assessing the security of your property, make sure you incorporate landscaping. Landscaping can be an effective tool in crime prevention while increasing the value of your home.
Window coverings should be drawn closed when not at home. Criminals who are looking for an easy target will collect as much information as they can before breaking in. So keep the radio on and the upstairs lights on a timer to throw off unwanted guests.
Check your points of entry! Windows and doors are the entry points into our home, so let’s make sure they lock properly. Unless your name is Santa Claus, or you're a member of a SWAT team, roof top entries are rare and go against a criminal's natural tendency to avoid attention. Fortify your patio door with a metal bar or wooden stick to assist the cheap locks most of us have. And remember to change all locks and invest in quality new ones when moving into a home.
Lighting is equally important, if not the most important deterrent to criminals. Criminals seek anonymity. They much prefer to work in darkness and isolation to conceal their anti-social activities. So let’s light everything up to keep our families safe this summer. Besides, I've always enjoyed nicely lit homes during my evening walks. This includes backyard lighting, because your neighbours are just as likely to call the police when they see someone that doesn’t belong.
Garages are often overlooked by home owners when considering security. Larger homes with garage windows and doors leading to the side of the house are extremely vulnerable. These doors are usually located in remote, dark areas with excellent concealment from public view. Once inside your garage, access to your car and your home’s interior is much, much easier.
Let’s face it, professional burglars are going to find a way in. But professional burglars also use risk assessment so that a well fortified home that appears occupied is much less likely to be chosen than a dark abandoned one. Taking reasonable security precautions is well worth the effort because when we protect our home and the items we cherish, we also increase the safety of our family and each other.
Neighbourhood watch is an excellent program officered by the Ottawa Police Service that brings neighbours together to help educate and bring awareness. Your neighbourhood Community Police Centre also provides a Home Security Inspection service to point out security problems as well as possible solutions you may not have considered. It’s FREE!
Finally, trust your instincts… You don’t need a police badge to know something just isn’t right. When in doubt, call the police and let them investigate your concerns.
For more information, visit www.somersetcpc.ca