In recent years Vancouver has earned the title of ‘Canada’s most dangerous city.’ Yet in Canada, violence is not typically associated with home invasions. However, as this video shows, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWeX-RwhhQY) the threat of home invasion is very real and very scary. Criminal behaviour is tempted by opulence and materialism. Thus, as any locksmith would tell you, home invasions rise exponentially during the holidays. Like ‘The Grinch,’ criminals want to slink through your home stealing the presents from under your tree. Here at Mr. Locksmith, we have identified several security tips that will help keep your home safe throughout the Christmas season and beyond.

The most important step to home security is having adequate door hardware. This does not mean having a super expensive electronic door lock; however, in Vancouver forced entry is common, so a solid deadbolt is a must! Mr. Locksmith technicians carry a range of excellent deadbolts, all of which are UL listed and built to withstand break-and-enter attacks.

A deadbolt on your door works as a visual deterrent. Criminals see the deadbolt and know they will have to work that much harder to get your Christmas goodies. Other visual deterrents include Mag locks and Strike plates. Mag locks wrap around your deadbolt and double the strength of your door, while strike plates protect your frame from being pried apart. Effective door hardware protects your house from home-invasions and visually reinforces your security. As a visual deterrent, home alarm security stickers can be just as effective as an alarm system. During the holiday season, let the criminals know that your house will not be an easy target.

The Christmas season is filled with parties and celebrations that take you out of your home. Criminals take advantage of the busy holidays by breaking into unoccupied houses. Making your house appear occupied is as simple as leaving the lights on when you are out. The flicker from a television can create a busy and bustling atmosphere in your otherwise empty home. This way, you can enjoy your work parties and Christmas trains without worrying about home security. If a Christmas vacation is your way of bringing in the holiday season, have a friend or neighbour pick up your mail. This way, a cluttered stack of mail will not speak volumes of your absence. Or as a humorous solution, leave a large dog bowl on the front porch with a note that says ‘beware: dog will bite.’

Vehicles are frequently broken into during the holidays. Christmas shopping drives everyone to the malls, while parking lots provide ideal targets for the hungry criminal. When you go shopping, make sure you take your keys/purse/wallet from the vehicle while you are out, and hide all gifts out of site or in the trunk.

Mr. Locksmith is a family owned and operated locksmith company. We recognize just how stressful the holidays can be for everyone. Your time and money are put under extra pressure, and criminals are looking to take advantage of the hectic season. Our technicians are security experts, and are itching to help you secure your home for the holidays. Check out our webpage at http://www.mrlocksmith.com and contact Mr. Locksmith for free estimates and excellent security solutions today!