Protect Your Home: Tips for Break-and-Enter Prevention in Ontario

With the rise in home break-ins in Ontario, it has become crucial for residents to take proactive steps to protect their homes. Understanding the importance of break-and-enter prevention is the first step toward ensuring your family’s safety and safeguarding your property. We will explore valuable insights and tips from the Toronto Police Service to help Ontario residents enhance their home security measures.

The Rise of Residential Break-Ins

Most residential break-ins occur during the daytime when homeowners are away, though this is not always the case. By being aware of this, you can adjust your security practices accordingly and minimize the risk of becoming a target. Always respond to door knocks and use smart home technology, such as a security camera with voice control or speaking through a locked door, especially if you don’t recognize the person. Encourage your children to notify you when someone is at the door and teach them not to engage with unfamiliar persons.

Detection Starts in Your Neighbourhood

While no one wants a nosey neighbour, being aware of the activity in your neighbourhood can help in the case of break-in prevention. Keeping your eyes and ears open for suspicious activities is crucial for preventing break-ins. Report any concerns and observations immediately to the police. If you notice a suspicious vehicle, take detailed descriptions of the vehicle and the occupant(s), including license plate numbers. By staying vigilant, you can actively contribute to maintaining a safe neighbourhood.

GC Tip: If you notice suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, be a good neighbour and alert those nearby. Consider establishing a neighbourhood group chat to stay updated with what is happening on your street. 

Reducing Your Risk of a Break-In

There are several effective strategies you can implement around your home to reduce the risk of a break-in:

• Mark your property with a unique identifier or use a Trace Identified pen. Marking your property not only discourages theft but also provides an easy way to identify stolen items.
• Create an inventory of your home’s contents, including serial numbers, and store it securely. Consider making a video recording of your belongings and storing it in a safe location. Limit the number of individuals who can access this inventory list or video.
• Install a home security system to deter potential burglars. Visible security cameras, alarms, and signage can act as strong deterrents.

Securing Your Home

Take proactive measures to fortify the security of your home:

• Install solid-core wood or metal exterior doors.
• Install motion-sensor lighting in dim areas, such as the front and side doorways, around the garage, and the backyard.
• Use high-quality deadbolt locks and reinforce door frames with a four-hole security strike plate.
• Secure sliding glass doors with bars and locks or place a wooden dowel in the door track. This prevents a burglar from entering through the door without breaking it. 
• Keep the garage and tool shed locked, as burglars often utilize tools found in your yard or from outside points of entry to access your home.
• Eliminate any obstructions in your yard that could provide cover for potential burglars.
• Limit access to higher windows and balconies by locking ladders and removing objects that a burglar can use as a platform.

Make Your Home Appear Occupied, Even When It’s Not

When you’re away, it’s proper risk management to create the illusion that someone is occupying your home. Some strategies to ensure your home appears inhabited include:

• Have a trusted neighbour use your driveway or parking space.
• Arrange for a friend or service to shovel the sidewalk, cut the grass, and collect your mail. 
• Use timers to schedule lights to turn on and off at different intervals.
• Install motion sensor lights or leave exterior lights on to illuminate entryways and rear yards.

If you are leaving your home unoccupied, your homeowner’s insurance policy may require you to have a trusted individual monitor the property in your absence. Before leaving your property unattended, always confirm the requirements outlined in your policy with your insurance broker.

Protecting your home from break-ins requires a combination of diligence, awareness, and security measures. Tips outlined in this article can help you significantly reduce the risk of a home break-in. Remember, investing in a comprehensive home insurance policy can provide additional security and financial protection if a break-in occurs. If you have concerns surrounding home break-ins, we’re here to help. A trusted Gifford Carr insurance specialist will explore the best insurance options to safeguard your home and valuable possessions. Let’s ensure the safety and security of our homes and communities in Ontario.

Source: Toronto Police Services