Home Invasion Prevention

For the majority of people, a feeling of security is found in the safety of their homes. However, many people fail to take even fundamental precautions to secure their homes against robbery. There are a number of precautions you can take that will reduce the opportunities that a burglar is looking for.

Prevention Tips

1. Conduct a security check of your home to determine possible entry points and any
   weaknesses they may have.
2. Keep all entrances and garages well-lit at night.
3. Do not leave telltale signs that you are away.
4. Install good locks and always use them.
5. Install a wide-angle door viewer that permits you to see callers before you open the door.
6. Never open a door to strangers without credentials.
7. Change your routine often. Burglars can operate on your routine!
8. Do not keep large amounts of money in your home.
9. Mark valuable items for identification. The Operation Identification Program has been
   developed by police to assist people in marking their property.
10. Keep valuables in a safety deposit box at your bank. If this is not possible, keep them
    locked up in a reasonable hiding place in your home.
    (Note: A few inexpensive but rich-looking pieces kept in the jewellery box as a decoy may deter
    unnecessary ransacking of your home in search of valuables.)
11. Install a monitored alarm system with a panic button.

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If someone wants to enter your home because of a personal grudge:

• Don't let children open the door, or open the door yourself, even with a chain attached
• Avoid getting drawn into an argument and contact the police at the first sign of violence
• Secure your home immediately by changing keys, alarm codes, etc.
• Most home invasions are committed by people who know the homeowners

Protecting against home invasions from strangers:

• Teach children not to open the door to anyone
• Don't answer the door if a stranger is knocking
• Do not open your home to workmen in uniforms unless you have scheduled the work
• Be prepared to dial 911 or hit your alarm panic button in the event of an emergency
• Arrange a neighborhood watch with your neighbors

If a burglar enters your home without realizing you are there and leaves:

• Do not attack the burglar; avoid confrontation if you can.
• Try to memorize a description of the person, particularly facial characteristics.
• When the burglar leaves, call the police immediately.