Residential Security > Crime Prevention Program
(from "Residential Security" - a pamphlet published by Alberta Justice)

Thieves and vandals depend on people who don't take preventative measures. Are you doing what you can to protect your home and your property?

	Doors
	Windows
	Locks
	Operation Identification
	Garage and Vehicle Protection
	Going Away?
	Neighbourhood Watch
	Residential Security Checklist Alberta Justice Website

Doors

Construction - Ideally all exterior doors and door frames should be solid-core construction and should have a propery security strike plate. Avoid hollow core and glass doors.

Glass Panels - If your home has a window within one metre or arm's length of an exterior door lock, the glass in the window should be replaced with plexiglas or Lexan ( a tough, clear, mar-resistant, unbreakable plastic).

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Windows

Windows pose a definite threat to home security. Locks can be pried open with ease, so your best bet is to install secondary locks on all your windows.

Another reinforcement method is "pinning". Commercial pins are available but large nails are effective and less expensive. Drill a 3/16" hole through the inside window frame and into the outside frame. The window is secured by placing a large nail (or pin) through the hole. Pinning can be done easily with double-hung windows and siding aluminum windows too.

One of the most common points of entry for burglars is the basement window. Windows hidden by bushes or trees give intruders an ideal place to work unseen. Replace these windows with plexiglas or Lexan, or use decorative security bars. Basement windows should be barred from the inside and should be easily opened in case of emergency. Windows that are seldom used should be permanently secured.

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Locks

A good lock is the key! Popular key-in-the-knob locks are not very effective. Use a 1" deadbolt lock instead.

Patio doors are often targets for burglars and thieves. They are often the hardest points in the home to protect against entry because they incorporate all the weak points of both windows and doors.

Most patio doors can be lifted out of their tracks and set aside. To prevent this, install metal screws in the upper track. They will fill the space above the door and make it impossible for the door to clear the lower track.

Patio doors can also be pinned like windows or locked with a commercial lock.

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Operation Identification

Burglars seldom steal valuable merchandise for their own personal use. They steal items which can be easily carried and sold.

Operation Identification discourages burglars before they even attempt to break into a home.

What you can do

Join Operation Identification through your local police service.

Identify all your valuable property with your driver's license number by using an electric engraver and/or a permanent marking pen.

Advertise the fact that all property in your home is marked for identification by placing exposure decals on your door entrances and windows.

Record the serial numbers and descriptions of all your valuable property

Recovery of Stolen Property

Identifiable stolen property can now be recorded on CPIC (a nationwide crime computer). Alberta's police can now determine if recovered property has been stolen , who owns the property and where the person resides, within seconds of checking CPIC.

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Garage and Vehicle Protection

Garages are a favourite target for burglars. Be sure windows are curtained so thieves can't window shop or check to see if your car is there. The door between your house and attached garage should swing inward, be solid core and equipped with a deadbolt lock. Use a good padlock for the garage door, and always be sure to keep your garage locked, even when you are at home.

Protect your vehicle and yourself! Most vehicle thefts are the result of owner's carelessness. It follows then, that most vehicle thefts can be avoided.

Close the windows, lock the doors and pocket the key.

Place valuables in the trunk and credit cards in your wallet.

Mark stereo equipment with your license number and keep a record of all serial numbers.

Never hide a spare key under the carpeting or over the sunvisor ... thieves know where to look!

Park your car in well-lit areas.

Never leave your car unattended with luggage, skis, or bikes on the roof rack.

Don't mark your keys with your name and address.

If your are required to leave a key with a parking attendant, leave only your ignition key.

Remove all documents (insurance, license, etc.) from the car. This identification could be used in other crimes.

If you must stop on a highway, use the nearest phone to summon help if you can keep your vehicle in sight. If you must leave your vehicle, return with assistance as soon as possible.

If your vehicle is stolen . . .

Notify your police service immediately and provide the following information: vehicle license number; vehicle identification number; year, make, and colour of vehicle; distinguishing marks ( dents, scratches, etc.)

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Going Away?

Use these tips to protect your home and belongings when you're not there.

Don't advertise your absences!

Avoid newspaper announcements about upcoming vacations.

Cancel home deliveries (newspapers, milk, etc.) and do not leave notes. Have the post office hole or forward your mail and ask a neighbour to gather any circulars or "junk mail".

Have someone do even minimal lawn/garden maintenance - your home will look "lived in".

Have someone arrange drapes and blinds occasionally.

Set timers for exterior and interior lights, and for radios. They can be expensive, valuable investments.

Turn down the telephone bell - an unanswered telephone usually indicates an empty house.

Work with people you trust - ask neighbours not to inform anyone of your absence, and ask them to inform police immediately if they notice anything unusual or suspicious around your home. They should record the license numbers of questionable vehicles.

Before You Leave

Lock all tools and ladders out of sight.

Test and set all timing devices.

Securely lock and check all doors and windows.

If a Burglary has Occurred During Your Absence...

Do not enter the house in case the intruder is still there. Use a neighbour's phone and call the police immediately.

Do not touch anything ... wait for police to arrive.

Have a record of the serial numbers of missing items. Anything without a serial number should be marked with your driver's license number. This increases your chances of having missing property returned to you.

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Neighbourhood Watch

The best way to keep crime out of our neighbourhoods is to keep ourselves involved in crime prevention. Get to know your neighbours and discuss what would be most effective for you. You can then work together to tailor a crime prevention program for your community. And keep your neighbours' phone numbers handy so you can readily help or contact them if needed.

If somethign needs doing, do it! If your neighbour is away and you see an obvious invitation to a burglar, do what you can to help your neighbour: close the open garage door, remove mail and papers and help with some minimal yard maintenance.

If you witness a crime, phone the police and try to remain on the line until a police vehicle arrives at the scene. This way, you can direct them to the exact location and individuals involved in the offence.

Don't assume that someone else has called the police ... three calls received are better than no calls at all.

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Residential Security Checklist Alberta Justice Website