Tips for Your Home Helpful hints A good deadbolt lock on your exterior doors should have at least a 1" throw. If your home is equipped with sliding glass doors, a lock for the upper track should be installed to prevent the door from being lifted from its track. Garage doors should be kept locked at all times, especially those leading directly into the home.  Lock your vehicles at all times, even when in the garage, so access cannot be gained by unwanted intruders. Be sure second story windows are closed and locked when you are not at home. On occasion, patio furniture has been used as a stepladder to gain access to upper levels of the home. Be sure to have hedges trimmed below the window level to prevent hiding spots for criminals. Mark your property with an identifying mark by using an engraver. Property which is marked is easier for police to identify and harder for criminals to sell. Proper identification makes it easier for the police to return personal property  When engraving, hold the engraver straight up NOT on a slant The identification should be readily visible without marring the appearance of the item  When you move to a new home, always have the locks replaced immediately.  Make sure that outside lights are in good working order at all times. Keep a record of your valuables Be a good neighbour and report any suspicious activity If a crime has occurred DO NOT enter - the criminal may still be inside Use a neighbour's phone and call the police DO NOT touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence Note the licence number of any suspicious vehicle Note the description of any suspicious person(s) Click here for your Home Security Checklist