How to Prevent the Summertime Break-In
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. Despite this, the threat of home invasion is very real and very scary. During the summer months, Locksmiths see an exponential rise in crime. Criminal behaviour is tempted by opulence and materialism. As any locksmith would tell you, home invasions rise exponentially during the holidays. In the winter, criminals are like ‘The Grinch,’ slinking through your home stealing the presents from under your tree. In the summertime, criminals are scoping out your home while you are sitting on your favorite downtown patio enjoying the fireworks. I have identified several security tips that will help keep your home safe throughout the Holiday 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! Any locksmith worth their weight will be happy to discuss your security options, and should carry a range of excellent deadbolts, all of which are UL listed and built to withstand break-and-enter attacks.

Reinforce Your Door with Schlage Deadbolt, Door Reinforcer and Strike Plate

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 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. Here’s an additional tip, 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.

Your summer time 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 beachside barbecues and forest hikes without worrying about home security. If a summertime vacation is your way of bringing in the 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. The summer sun 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 your goods out of site or in the trunk.

Everyone loves to get out and enjoy the weather, yet this season can also be stressful for everyone. Your time and money are put under extra pressure, and criminals are looking to take advantage of your hectic schedule.