How to: Prevent home burglaries

Low-budget options

Of course, the oldest – and often most effective – alarm system works for kibble and the odd scratch behind the ear: the family dog. And while your toy poodle isn't likely to frighten off career criminals, even the most harmless dog's yapping can alert sleeping occupants to an in-progress break-in. Another no-budget option is to put stickers up warning that your house has an alarm system, even if it doesn't.

Professional thieves will likely recognize and ignore the fakes, but they can often be enough to deter would-be amateur burglars.

“Partly what you're trying to do [by installing an alarm] is say, ‘Don't pick our house, it's going to be more of a hassle. Pick one of the others,' '' points out Michael O'Keeffe. And anything you can do to deter crooks from getting into your home certainly beats the hassle of filing an insurance claim.

Burglar-proofing your home

No system will make your home completely secure. But there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood that you'll be victimized, and reduce your losses if you are.

Don't leave a spare key under the mat, on top of the doorframe, or hidden in a fake rock: Burglars know all the usual hiding places.

Lock your front door when you're in the house or working in the backyard, and make sure all windows and doors are locked every time you leave.

Don't hang your car keys in a visible spot by the door: Many burglars break into homes just to get the keys to bypass car alarms on many high-end vehicles.

Don't keep valuables in an obvious spot like a jewellery box on top of the dresser. Store them in a safe or safety deposit box.

Join Neighbourhood Watch and/or work with your neighbours to keep an eye on each other's homes.

When on vacation have a neighbour or friend collect your mail and newspapers and get them to shovel the snow or mow the lawn as required.

Take photos and keep a detailed list, including serial numbers, of all your valuables to provide to the police and your insurance company in the event of a break-in.

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