• Install a wide-angle peep hole.
• Entrance doors should have a solid core.
• Doors should fit tightly into door jambs and strike plates must be secure.
• If hinge pins are outside, they should be non-removable.
• When closed, sliding doors need a metal bar to fill the inside track.
• Locks on the inside of the door should be at least 40 inches from glass.
• Use deadbolt locks that extend at least 1 inch into the strike plate.
• Locks should be replaced after you take possession of your new home.

• Double hung windows should be pinned.
• Metal windows need a lock or metal bar in addition to a catch.
• Basement windows should be Plexiglass or have security bars.
• Windows left open for ventilation should be secured.
• Curtains or blinds should fully cover windows.
• Air conditioners should be secured from the inside.
  

• Keep shrubs cut below window level.
• Your house number should be easily visible from the street.
• Make sure front and back doorways are well lit or spot lit.
• Keep bicycles, lawn mowers, and other gear inside and out of sight.
• Join Neighbourhood Watch and Operation Identification, and display the decals on your front and back doors.

• Keep your garage door closed and locked when not in use.
• Remove vehicle keys and lock vehicles in the garage.
• Have a light inside the garage.
• Around your apartment
• Open the lobby door only for people you know. Unknown or suspicious persons should be reported to the building superintendent.
• Use your initials and last name to identify yourself on the lobby list.
• When moving in, have the superintendent change the locks.
• If you are out, arrange for deliveries to be received by the building superintendent or a neighbour.
• Check the elevator before you enter it and stay near the control panel.
• Do not go into laundry rooms alone.
• Check your car before entering it.
• Keep your car locked and remove any valuable portable items.
• Do not store valuable items in an apartment locker.

• Alarms monitored 24 hours by a Central Alarm Station service are recommended and may qualify for an insurance premium discount.
• Alarms should protect the full perimeter of your residence.

• Stop delivered items such as newspaper subscriptions.
• Store valuables in a safety deposit box.
• Use timers to automatically turn lights on and off.
• Have a neighbour or friend pick up hand bills and mail.
• Arrange to have snow shovelled and the grass cut.

• Do not open the door until you confirm the person's identity.
• If somebody asks to use your phone, have them wait outside while you make the call for them.
• Do not give out personal information to telephone solicitors.
• If you arrive home and suspect a break-in, leave and call the police.
• Never indicate that you're not home on your telephone answering machine.
• If you lose your keys, change your locks. Your CGU policy has coverage assistance to replace lost/stolen keys.
  

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