As a homeowner, protecting your family and belongings is the most important function of your front door lock. While you may think you have your bases covered in terms of home security, it can be helpful to understand the common tactics and techniques burglars use in order to target and gain access to residential properties.
3 COMMON BURGLAR METHODS AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM
1. Monitoring Your Home – Many burglars will ‘case’ your home in order to get an idea if it is a good option for them to target. They will look for cars and movement around the house to determine what your schedule is like, look for signs that you are on vacation (i.e. a snowy driveway, newspapers left outside, or uncut grass), and signs of a security system, whether it be a pet dog or electronic system. Ask a friend, neighbour or family member to look after your home while you are away, especially if you are leaving for an extended period of time. Use signs to indicate the presence of a dog or an electric security system, even if they are decoys. Burglars will also look for areas where they can be concealed while breaking into the home. Install floodlights and cut down shrubbery that could provide helpful coverage from the sight of any neighbours or passersby.
2. Vulnerable Entry Points – You may be surprised to learn that 34% of burglars enter their target homes through the front door. While it is great to feel safe in your neighbourhood, you should be sure to lock your doors and windows, especially those at ground level. First floor windows, back doors, and garages are the other most common entry points for burglars. Checking to ensure your home is locked up and secure is the best way to deter burglars from gaining easy access to your home and valuables. The harder you make it for the burglar to enter, the more likely they are to move on to another home.
3. Be Aware of Holidays – During Christmas, some burglars may keep a look out for garbage and recycling that indicates some big ticket items are in the home, and ready for the taking – right from under the tree in the front window! Bring empty boxes to a public trash facility and keep gifts from being on tempting display in the front window. Summer vacations are also a prime time for burglars, who have easy targets as many families that leave the country leave their house looking empty. Put your lights on a timer and ask someone to check in. Homes for sale are also vulnerable, so keep visitors on guided tours during open houses and check that doors and windows are locked once guests leave.
UPGRADE YOUR HOME’S SECURITY SYSTEM—CONTACT A LOCKSMITH IN AURORA OR THE GTA TODAY
In addition to taking the measures outlined above, get even more peace of mind by upgrading your locking system. Affordable Lock Services, Inc. can help you decide on the right access system, install it and assist you with maintaining it so that your home remains up-to-date and secure.
Affordable Lock is a locksmith in Markham serving the Greater Toronto Area, including Scarborough, Aurora, North York, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Stouffville. With over 30 years of experience, we pride ourselves on looking after your commercial or residential locksmith needs. Affordable Lock’s showroom in Markham showcases a wide selection of keys, locks and an assortment of other security products for your home or business. Whether you are looking to upgrade your home or business’s security, or solve security issues, Affordable Lock Services Inc. in Markham is here for you! Give us a call today.
Contact Affordable Lock Services, Inc. today for your key cutting needs or to learn more about residential lock systems in Scarborough, Vaughan, Markham or the GTA. Contact us online or call us at 905-477-7618 in Aurora and Newmarket.
Affordable Lock is a locksmith in Markham serving the Greater Toronto Area, including Scarborough, Aurora, North York, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Stouffville. With over 30 years of experience, we pride ourselves on looking after your commercial or residential locksmith needs. Affordable Lock’s showroom in Markham showcases a wide selection of keys, locks and an assortment of other security products for your home or business. Whether you are looking to upgrade your home or business’s security, or solve security issues, Affordable Lock Services Inc. in Markham is here for you! Give us a call today.