Don’t leave empty cartons in your carport, yard or driveway. You are advertising the fact you have a brand new flat screen TV, laptop, iPad or other very desirable object to steal.
Keep your doors locked even though you may just be in your back yard. It doesn’t take long for a thief to slip into and out of your home.
Close and lock all windows each time you leave your home.
If you have an alarm, ensure to set it before you leave home.
Do not keep ladders or tools on the outside of your home. If it can be used to gain entry into your home keep it locked up and out of sight.
Always keep your vehicle locked even if it’s parked in your carport or driveway. Don’t be fooled into thinking your vehicle is safe.
While on vacation arrange for someone to shovel/mow the lawn and park in your driveway. It’s ideal to have someone you trust, house-sit for you so your home is still lived in while you are away. If this is not possible make sure your home looks lived in.
Use timers on indoor lights and tamper-proof, motion sensor lights around the perimeter of your home. Lighting is the most effective crime prevention tool since criminals do not want to be seen.
Keep your vacation plans off social networks like Facebook. It is easy to gain access to personal information once it’s entered onto Facebook or another social network.
Make sure your house number is visible during the day and night. In an emergency you want emergency crews to find your house number as soon as possible.
Install a door viewer so you know who is at your door before you open it. Know who is there before you open your door and home to a stranger.
Get to know your neighbours. Knowing who belongs in your building is a great way to protect yourself.
Join or start a Block Watch group in your building to encourage everyone in the complex to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and share the information with each other and with the police. Learn more about Block Watch.
Whether you are involved in Block Watch or not, follow the Golden Rule of community safety: If you see something, say something. Always report suspicious activity to the police.
Dont let strangers in your building. Most people will understand that you are not being rude by not letting them in, and your neighbours will thank you for helping to keep the building safe.
Talk to your building manager or Strata Council about installing security cameras.
Record serial numbers, keep a log and take pictures of items in your storage locker.
Check on your storage locker from time to time to make sure items are safe and nothing has been tampered with. If you find that it has been broken into, call your local RCMP Detachment; we want to know about it even if nothing has been stolen.
Avoid leaving anything of value in parked vehicles and always lock vehicle doors.
