This article has been updated from a previous version.
It seems as if Canadians have become pretty complacent with their current home security measures, or maybe many of us don’t feel like we have anything of value to steal.
However, thieves certainly do.
According to the Toronto Police Service, break-ins are up 31.5% year-over-year. This increase may be shocking considering in 2023, home invasions and break-ins for auto thefts in Toronto, Ont., rose by 400%, as well.
Toronto Police reported a total of 1,721 home invasions as of March 17, 2024, making break-ins one of the top ten highest reported crimes in Canada.
Whether you’re in Cancun for the week or house swapping with someone across the country for the entire summer, you want to leave your home with the assurance that your belongings are safe and will be there when you’re back.
So, what’s your plan for ensuring your home is protected while you’re gone? Here are some ways to divert unwanted attention and protect your home from theft while on vacation.
Related: 3 ways to keep your home hazard-free while it’s vacant
Up your security ante
A home break-in is estimated to happen every 90 seconds in Canada. If you think a mere alarm system is sufficient to protect your house from burglars, think again. Although alarms are a good first line of defense, there are other ways to bolster security — and keep your insurance premiums from increasing due to a theft claim while you’re at it.
Here are some simple ways to strengthen your home security:
Make sure your doors and windows are locked.
One forgotten lock can be an open invitation for burglars. If a door or window has more than one lock, ensure all of them are latched.
Put up “Beware of dog” signs and alarm system signs
It’s okay if you have neither – the burglar doesn’t need to know. Motion sensor lights work as well.
Remove spare keys completely or out of obvious places
Thieves will likely search the porch and the surrounding area for a spare key if they figure you’re away. And, yes, fake stones are an obvious hiding spot.
Place metals bars on low-lying windows
It also helps to block in sliding doors with a stick or metal bar. Again, you want to make it hard for a thief to get in.
Tuck away valuables in a safe or deposit box
Not only should you keep anything of value in an unassuming or secure place, you should also remove computers and electronics out of view from windows.
Remove any tools laying around in the yard
Thieves can use your ladders, saws, and hammers to gain access to your home, so you should lock them away in the house, garage or shed.
Consider getting a smart doorbell camera
These popular doorbell cameras are designed to capture any type of movement on your door. Not only will you be able to spot any thief who’s checking if you’re home, but you can also use it to keep an eye out for porch pirates or shady utilities scammers.
Related: Will home insurance cover packages stolen off your porch?
The safest home is one that looks occupied
If your mailbox is overflowing with mail, the grass on the lawn is overgrown, and the driveway is empty for weeks, it doesn’t take a master thief to figure out that no one is home.
Consider some of these tricks to give the impression that your house is occupied.
- Put your magazine subscriptions on hold while you’re away or have a neighbour collect your mail.
- Use a light and/or stereo on a timer or connected to an app on your phone to make it look and sound like someone’s home throughout the day. If you’re extra cautious, you can switch up the times to make it look more natural.
- Do not display your family name on the outside of your house. A thief could look up your number and call to see if you’re at home.
- Have someone house-sit while you’re away.
- If you can’t find a house-sitter and you’re going to be gone for a long period of time, ask or pay a friend or trusted neighbour to check on your house once in a while. They should park in your driveway, leave a bag of their garbage out front of your house on collection day, and cut your grass or shovel your driveway.
- Don’t change your phone message or leave a note that you’re away.
- Don’t close all your curtains and blinds. Keeping all of them closed may prevent passers-by from looking inside but leaving some open looks more natural.
Related: What is the difference between a vacant and unoccupied property?
Don’t show off online (at least not until you’re back)
In the age of social media, it’s become a norm to keep the world updated with our every move. However, posting a picture of you on the beach in Jamaica is a clear indication to burglars that you’re not home. Here’s some tips to consider:
- Keep the news of your vacation between close family and friends.
- If you do want to keep posting while you’re away, remember to disable your geolocation settings and change your privacy settings to 'Close Friends' Only.
- Consider posting your photos upon returning home instead of throughout the trip.
Read more: What not to share on social media
Insurance can help – as long as you’re covered
You might think that if your home is robbed, your insurer will reimburse you for the stolen goods at today’s prices. The truth is, basic home insurance policies generally only cover actual cash value, taking depreciation over time into account.
If you have expensive artwork or jewelry in your home, it may be worthwhile to consider purchasing additional insurance riders to make sure your personal property is adequately covered under your home insurance policy.
Before a long trip is a great time to give your policy a good look to make sure you’re covered while you’re away, and make sure your contents, tenant or home insurance is up to par.
