Home invasions and burglaries are on the rise in larger cities across Canada.
According to Global News:
- In Toronto, home burglar invasions and break-ins for auto thefts rose by 400 per cent in 2023. And by March of 2024, there was a 31.5 per cent jump in break and enter crimes reported to police compared to the same time the previous year.
- In Winnipeg, 87 home invasions were reported in 2023 compared with 56 the year before.
- In Vancouver, almost 3,000 break and home enter offences were recorded in 2023.
- In the Halifax region, home break and enters increased by 25 per cent between 2022 and 2023.
How can you protect your home from burglary? We’ve pulled data from our claims specialists and rounded up expert advice to help you be proactive when protecting your home.
Ensure your home security efforts extend to the second floor
Increasingly, home break-ins are occurring via second floor entry points. Some enterprising thieves have recognized that not all homeowners invest in security sensors on upper floors and may be more lax about keeping windows and balcony doors securely locked upstairs. It’s possible to break into a home by climbing atop porches or using human or portable ladders and entering through windows or balcony doors. Their best advice is to secure the upper floors of your home the same way you do the main floor, particularly when you’re not at home.
It's also a good idea to make sure there are no ladders or tools that could be used to break into your home lying around the property.
Increase security on windows and doors
It makes sense to pay close attention to the security of the entry points to your home. Experts suggest:
- Installing door and window access sensors so you can be alerted about the open/closed status of them
- Upgrading screen doors to ones with anti-theft aluminum or stainless steel
- Adding anti-burglary film to windows and the glass portion of exterior doors to make the glass harder to breach
Secure your outdoors
There are lots of ways to strengthen your security from the outside of your home. Recommended home security strategies include:
- Installing motion lighting throughout your property
- Enhancing gate locks with sensors
- Making your property visible from the street by trimming overhanging branches and shrubs
- Putting in a smart garage video keypad
- Ensure that you post a sign that your home is monitored by a security system
- Having security cameras at the entrance, if you live in a gated community
Maintain the appearance that you’re home even when you’re not
When you are away for an extended period of time, it’s a good practice to ask a trusted neighbour or friend to check your house regularly. You don’t want would-be burglars to pick up on the fact that your home is uninhabited. Be sure your home-sitters:
- Mow the lawn in the summer; shovel walkways in winter
- Take out/bring in garbage cans from the curb
- Test that smart lights you pre-set before you left are turning on/off
- Pick up mail and package deliveries
- Do small repairs, as necessary, e.g. fix a broken gate or porch step
Finally, post those fabulous vacation photos on social media after you’ve returned home to avoid information about your absence getting into the wrong hands.
Keep your valuables hidden and locked
While you may not want to hide away meaningful artwork or other home décor, it’s advisable to keep blinds or curtains closed at night.
It’s advisable to invest in a home safe that is waterproof, fireproof and has a combination lock or keypad for expensive jewelry and other items that don’t need to be on display when they’re not in use. Be sure to secure the safe to a wall or floor in a hidden area.
When you take mindful measures to secure your home and property, you’re decreasing the likelihood that they will be noticed by would-be burglars.
Protect your vehicle, too
Part of protecting your property is securing your vehicle as well. When you consider that a car is stolen every 6 minutes in Canada, it’s important to take action. Recommendations for vehicle security include:
- Installing a vehicle anti-theft recovery system like Tag to help deter theft and recover your vehicle if it’s stolen. Tag uses secure anti-jamming technology that can’t be easily intercepted by thieves.
- Using a key fob signal blocker, like a Faraday cage, and storing keys away from your front door.
- Storing vehicles in garages or a well-lit area overnight.
- Employing a steering wheel lock (i.e., the Club anti-theft steering wheel lock) to present a barrier to theft and possibly dissuade the attempt.
Be informed
If you’re looking for more information about resources to prevent home burglary and insurance coverages available to you, reach out to your broker.
Source:
Global News - Are home invasions rising in Canada? How to protect yourself
