DURHAM REGION – Almost everyone has an opinion on trends in burglary, why burglaries occur, or how to prevent break-ins. Here are some common myths and realities.

Myth: Most residential burglaries happen at night.
The reality is that most residential burglaries happen during the day when the majority of people are not home.

Myth: A chain lock offers good security.
People buy chain locks with the belief that they offer adequate protection when they answer the door. However, they offer little protection against the threat of forced entry and can result in a false sense of security when a superior lock is disengaged. A peephole on your door is preferred because it will allow you to see who is outside your door while preventing the person from seeing inside your home.

Myth: An alarm system is all that I need to protect my home and my family.
Unfortunately, this view is not shared by the average thief, and the homeowner may still be at some risk. Residential alarm systems offer an increased level of security and some deterrence to the criminal. However, they should not be considered as exclusive replacements for other home security measures but should be used in conjunction with them.

What you should know:

• Police do not directly monitor burglar alarm systems. It may take a couple of minutes before the call is directed to the police.
• Because of other crime prevention priorities, police cannot always treat residential alarm calls as a high priority. Check with your local police about their policy on responding to alarm calls.
  
• Burglars spend between three to four minutes in a home, and in most cases the criminal will be gone before the police arrive.
  
• Most alarms will alert the alarm companies through your phone line. This may render your phone line unusable. If you are home when someone tries to break into your house, it may be impossible for you to call for immediate help. If you have an alarm system, you may want to consider adding a second phone line. Check with the alarm provider on how your phone line is used.
  
  

Helpful Home Security Tips:

1. When you move into a new home, you should change or re-key the locks immediately.
2. Make sure that outside lights are in good working order.
3. When new items like TVs, stereos or computer equipment are purchased, be sure to fold the cardboard box inside out before placing in the recycling. This means your new purchases won't be advertised to anyone on the street.
4. Don't allow strangers into your home.
5. When leaving a message on your answering machine, do not indicate that you are not home. Also, don't advertise on social media when you're going to be away from your home.
   
   

This information was obtained from the Home Security Audit Guide created by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services with contributions from the Peel Regional Police, Halton Regional Police, Ottawa Police Service, Insurance Bureau of Canada and the Crime Prevention Association of Toronto. To view the full guide click here.

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