Burglary is an ever present threat to our property and sense of personal safety. Today's availability of consumer items, increased wealth and an easy lifestyle are an open invitation to a burglar.

Burglars want to get in and out as fast as possible. Making it harder for them to get in to your house means they must take more time with a correspondingly greater chance of being detected and caught. Having detection devices, a dog, or alert neighbours are good ways to reduce your home's attraction.

Most break-ins happen through doors and windows. Securing these openings is the easiest and most cost-effective method to prevent burglaries.

Burglary Prevention:

• Secure locks on doors and windows - make sure locks are used
• Detection devices linked to 24 hour security monitoring
• Keep a dog
• Make sure ladders and tools are not left lying around
• Use a timer to turn your lights, radio or TV on and off during the day and night.
• Do not close all your blinds and drapes for long periods
• Divert your home phone number to your mobile.
• Cancel the newspaper
• Arrange a house-sitter for your home if you are away for an extended period.
• Ask a neighbour to put out your bins (even if empty) and bring them in again.
• Ask a neighbour to pick up your mail
• Make sure your home and contents are adequately insured

Burglary situation

• Call the Police
• Check for survival and injury of family members
• Isolate affected area if possible
• Check for stolen goods without disturbing crime scene
• Assess damage
• Depending on scale of damage, call 1300 SCOTIA if necessary