General Security Tips For Home Owners

Install a security alarm system.

If you have a faulty alarm system that frequently goes off, get it fixed and tell your neighbors that it's been repaired. Many people ignore an alarm that goes off periodically.

Always close and lock home and garage doors and windows.

If you lose your keys, change the locks immediately.

If there are door hinges on the outside of your house, take down the door and reset the hinges inside. Otherwise burglars will knock down the hinges pin and easily gain access to your property.

Be alert for unusual activities. If you see unfamiliar persons loitering around a neighbor's yard, check their identity with your neighbor by phone; or call your security services provider or Police.

Be careful about admitting strangers. Identification of a salesperson, public utilities and repair personnel must be checked before opening the door.

Do not keep valuable items near windows with open drapes.

Get to know your neighbors in order to watch each other's homes.

Install a wide-angle door viewer if visibility of callers is impossible. Partially opening the door with a door chain is too risky.

Install new locks when moving into an apartment or previously owned home.

Keep extra keys in a safe place; never hide a key outside.

Keep grass cut, leaves raked, etc.., to indicate a well cared for and occupied home.

Leave a radio on low when leaving home, even for short time.

If you are going to be away for several days, or even for just one day, adjust your phone ring to its lowest volume. An unanswered phone is a quick tip that your home is empty.

Light all entrances and consider "vandal-proof" fixtures.

Lock up all ladders and tools a burglar could use to gain entry.

Never leave a note on the door saying why you are not at home.

Never leave doors or windows unlocked when leaving home.

Only put your last name on your nameplate or mailbox.

Pretend you are the burglar, go outside and plan how to get in to see where you need to install locks on all doors and windows.

Secure automatic gate and door openers out of sight.

Trim landscaping near doors and windows to avoid concealment or climbing platforms for an intruder. Visibility increases security.

Use a timer that turns a living room light on at dusk - especially if you are going to be away.

When returning home, be mindful of anything unusual with your residence. If you suspect a break-in, do not enter - call your security service provider or Police.

List your belongings, identify them both at home and work. Take photos of your valuables and Keep a register of important items (make, model and serial number).

Consider doing a walk through of your house with a video camera, detailing items in cupboards, etc. and keep your photos and videos locked away or saved to the cloud.

If its important, lock it up. If you have expensive jewellery or other valuable items that can't be replaced , store them in a safe. A proffessional locksmith can recommend a safe that suit your needs, and the safe must be installed correctly, as burglars will attempt to take the safe with them so they can break into it without the pressure of time.

A chiseled-out space in the top of a door makes a great safe for small valuables.

Avoid hiding your valuables to abvious places such as mattresses, drawers, inside figurines, behind pictures and under carpets.

Most importantly, BE INSURED