Home Security

How to protect your home Most burglaries can be prevented by the use of good locks, a few tools and simple precautions.

While no home can be made totally burglar-proof, people need not live with undue fear. Everyone can take effective and practical steps to make their homes more secure. If the doors and windows of your home are locked and the doors are strong enough to resist a quick kick, the culprit will probably look for an easier target.


Begin with these steps:

STEP 1:

Start with your neighbourhood. This is your first line of defence.

• Burglars don't like watchful neighbours who are collectively interested in the security of their neighbourhoods.
• There is strength in numbers and a hundred sets of eyes will certainly see more than one set.
  
  

STEP 2:

Next, look at your yard and neighbourhood areas from the burglar's point of view

• Trim trees and bushes that could hide burglars.
• Pay particular attention to trees growing near your house. Could a burglar climb a tree to get onto the roof, then enter through an unlocked upper storey window?
• Keep your yard maintained to give the house a lived-in appearance. Cut grass, rake leaves, remove dead branches and debris.
• Install outside lights to brighten dark areas around doors or windows.
  
  

STEP 3:

• Look at the outside of your house. Make sure emergency personnel can easily see your address from the street, even at night. Then check your doors, windows and other outside openings.
• Ensure your house number is visible on rear detached garage or rear fencing.
  

Doors

• Outside doors and frames should be made of solid wood or steel, which are harder force open than hollow-core doors. Frames in outside doors should fit snugly (within 1/4 inch) against the door.
• Glass in outside doors should be at least 40 inches from the lock or be unbreakable.
• Secure all outside doors with deadbolt locks.
• A key is required to lock and unlock a deadbolt from outside.
• Ensure that the lock's throw (or bolt) extends at least one inch past the edge of the door when locked.
• Install a peephole viewer (180 degrees) on the entrance door.
• Make sliding glass doors and windows more secure by placing a wood stick or metal bar between the frame and sliding door. Or, install a screw or pin by drilling a hole through both the sliding and fixed doors. To keep the door from being lifted off its track, limit clearance by installing screws that protrude down from the top track.
• The strike plate is the flat metal piece on the door frame that receives the lock's throw, or bolt. Attach a six- or eight-inch strike plate with screws long enough (about three inches) to pass through the door frame and into the wall stud.
• Hinges should be large enough to support the door, attached securely by screws that go through the door frame into the supporting stud, and not exposed on the outside. Replace outside hinges with non-removable hinges that are available commercially.
• Modify your hinges by drilling a small hole into the middle of the hinge pin and tapping a small screw into the hole.

Windows

• For double-hung windows without special locks, use a pin to make them harder to pry open. Drill a downward sloping hole through the top of the bottom window frame and into (but not through) the bottom of the top frame. To secure the window, insert a pin or nail into this hole.
• Double-hung windows usually have latches; these are NOT locks and keep windows closed against the weather.
• Casement type windows, if not of the best quality, are difficult to secure. If the window is not equipped with a sturdy lock that will resist prying, it is best to install bars or a grill on the inside of the window. Ensure that bars are easy to remove from the inside in case of fire.
• Crank-open and awning type windows do not offer good security because individual panes can be pried or removed. Consider installing metal bars or grills on the inside of this type of window or replace it with a more secure type.
• It is mandatory to have a bedroom breakaway system on barred windows to enable someone a safe escape route. The keys to the bars must be placed close by to allow safe passage outside in the event of a fire.
  
  

STEP 4:

Simple steps will make your house appear lived in when you are away for extended periods.

• Arrange to have your mail picked up and consider stopping newspapers at least one day before you leave to be certain your request was received.
• Remember to have the grass cut, the leaves raked or the snow removed as necessary.
• Use timers on a few lamps in rooms where the light will be noticed from outside the house.
• Have a neighbour check both inside and outside the house every few days. Ask them to pick up items delivered while you are away.
• If you have a clearly designated outside parking space (as is the case in many townhouse neighbourhoods), ask a neighbour to park their car in your space sometimes.
  
  

STEP 5:

When at Home

• When in your back yard lock your front door and vice versa.
• When in the home, it is a good idea to keep your doors locked.
• Consider keeping your blinds/curtains closed at night because people can see in and you can't see out.
  
  

STEP 6:

Garage

• Garages are a favourite target for burglars. Be sure windows are curtained so thieves can't look for items to steal or check to see if your car is there. The door between your house and attached garage should swing inward, be solid core and have a deadbolt lock.
• Keep your garage locked, even when you are at home.
• If the overhead garage door is roller and track operated, install a lock in the track to block the roller and disconnect your automatic garage door opener before you go on vacation.
• Secure your other garage doors with deadbolts.
• Install lights near your garage to keep the area lit. Also, leave your headlights on until you park in the garage. If possible, have a remote control garage door opener installed. This will allow you to stay in your locked car until you're inside your locked garage. Be sure the overhead door closes completely after you drive into or out of your garage.
• Ensure your garage has your house number clearly visible. This assists the police in identifying the exact address.

If your home is broken into:

• Do not enter the house in case the burglar is still there. Use a neighbour's telephone to call the police by dialling 9-1-1. Watch your house until the police arrive.
• If your home is broken into, and you know the burglar is gone, call 403-266-1234.
• Do not touch anything until the police have finished checking your house.
• Give the police a list of serial numbers of missing items so they can return your property to you if it is found.

How to protect your neighbourhood

Most crimes are committed by people looking for opportunities: an open window, an unlocked door, or an empty house with several days' newspapers scattered on the lawn.

If residents use even inexpensive and basic crime prevention measures, most neighbourhood crime can be prevented.

All communities are safer when citizens act together

Crime rates will decline, or remain very low, in communities where people are willing to work together. Neighbourhood safety is a shared responsibility in which both the citizens and police have definite roles.

The first step neighbours should take is to work together to become a real community.

Neighbours should:

• Get to know one another. Residents should become familiar with the routines in their neighbourhoods and know their neighbours on sight. They should also be aware of strangers and know what to do if something or someone looks suspicious.
• Good neighbours look out for each other and let others know when they will be away. Leave keys and emergency phone numbers with a trusted neighbour, friend or relative.
• Keep up appearances. A well-kept community is less attractive to criminals and vandals. Appearance often reflects residents' concerns, pride and willingness to work together to defend their interests.
• Get involved in crime prevention. Block Watch is a program that brings concerned citizens and police together to reduce crime in neighbourhoods. For more information call your Block Watch coordinators in your Block Watch Newsletter.

To reduce crime in your community learn to be suspicious.

Report the following to the police:

• Unusual noises, such as someone screaming for help.
• Vehicles moving slowly and randomly through the neighbourhood.
• A stranger running or walking randomly through the neighbourhood.
• A stranger sitting in a car or stopping to talk to a child.
• Furniture being removed from homes when the owners are on vacation or at work.
• Abandoned cars.
• A stranger looking into homes or parked cars. Walking down middle of road vs. sidewalk looking into vehicles side to side of the street.
• Unusual activities of pets such as the repeated barking of a dog that is normally quiet.
• Someone going door to door soliciting who refuses to provide proper identification.
• Many times you will see homes with open doors, front doors with keys left in the locks, or a neighbour's car with the trunk left open. In most situations, a simple call to your neighbour will settle the matter. Many times, people forget to close their doors or remove their keys from door locks if they were carrying groceries or packages into their homes.
• Many people believe that the police do not want to be called if the caller is merely suspicious. This is not true. When in doubt -- CALL THE POLICE.

NON-EMERGENCY 403-266-1234 (for information or to report suspicious activity)
EMERGENCY 9-1-1 (life threatening, crime in progress, or injury accident)

How to report suspicious activities to police

• State your name and address.
• Describe the event: what, when and where it happened.
• Describe people you saw and what they were doing: male/female, race, approximate age, weight, height, hair colour, clothing and any unusual marks or characteristics (such as a limp).
• Describe vehicles in the same way: licence plates (province in which registered and at least the first three letters or numbers) make, model, colour and unusual marks such as dents or broken glass.
• Finally, remember, criminals do very well for themselves when good people either become discouraged or don't seem to care. But crime will remain low in neighbourhoods where people are unwilling to tolerate lawlessness and are willing to work with the police, report suspicious activities, and help their neighbours.

How to protect yourself when you're out - Security in your car

• Before you drive, try to prevent mechanical problems:
  A disabled car can present criminals with opportunities. Most car breakdowns can be avoided if you maintain your car properly.

If your car breaks down:

• Try to coast off the road to the shoulder so you and your car will not be hit by following traffic, even if you have to drive on a flat tire. The tire is replaceable.
• Turn on your emergency flashers. Use flares or other devices to warn others.
• Use a pay phone or emergency roadside phone if is one nearby at a safe location. If not, stay in your locked car and wait for help. Remember to keep a few quarters with you for pay phones.
• Consider carrying a cellular phone when you are out.
• Remain in your car even if a motorist stops to help you. Ask anyone offering assistance to get help for you. If you see a stranded motorist, don't stop. Drive to a safe location and call for help.

Whenever you get into your car:

• Know your route and have a map available.
• Lock your car doors before you begin driving. Also, roll your windows up far enough to keep anyone from reaching inside.
• Place purses and other valuables out of sight.

While you are driving:

• At stop signs and lights -- keep your car in gear and stay alert.
• Avoid hitchhikers.
• When you reach your destination, park only in well-lit areas.
• Always lock your car when you leave it, even for brief periods.
• Have your keys ready when you return to your car. As you approach your car, look around for someone who could be lurking near, in, or under your car, or may have broken into it.
• Look into the car before getting in.
• If you think you are being followed, drive to a 24-hour gas station, convenience store or any location that is open all hours. Report the incident to police, describing the car as best you can. If this is not possible, attract attention by sounding your horn and flashing your lights.

Additional tips:

• Whenever possible, order the anti-theft devices that are available as options on many cars. This additional precaution can save you worry and may qualify you for reduced insurance premiums.
• Don't hide spare keys -- most hiding places that you can imagine can also be imagined by criminals.
• Remove all documents that identify you or your address. Keep your insurance, registration and driver's licence with you, not in your glove box. If your car is stolen, call the police immediately and provide the licence plate number, vehicle identification number (V.I.N.), year, make, model, colour and distinguishing marks.

When leaving your car:

• Park in a well-lit area close to the building. Avoid deserted areas in parking lots.
• Be sure to lock all vehicle doors and close all windows. Don't have any spare keys hidden or visible.

How to protect yourself when you're out walking or using public transit

• You should tell a neighbour or a friend where you are going and how long you will be away.
• Try to walk in daylight hours or in well lit busy areas. Avoid short cuts through parks and dark or deserted areas.
• Use the buddy system -- travel with a friend.
• Always walk in the middle of the sidewalk.
• Walk with confidence, and do not carry too many parcels.
• All Calgary Transit operators and other personnel, such as supervisors and maintenance staff, have radios and can provide customer assistance. In addition, uniformed and plain-clothes Protective Services Officers patrol Calgary Transit facilities day and night.
• Here are some suggestions for using public transportation safely and conveniently. To find out more about these services or for trip planning assistance, call Calgary Transit Customer Services at 262-1000.
• Calgary Transit operates low-floor buses on many routes. These buses feature a single-step entry, about 14 inches above the ground. On request, bus drivers can lower the front of the buses and lower a ramp to the ground. The nearly flat entry with no steps allows convenient access for everyone, including customers using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, crutches and walkers.
• Accessible bus routes are printed in a bright colour in Calgary Transit's large Transit Map. Also, individual pocket schedules for accessible routes show a wheelchair graphic on the front panel.
• At some times, regular buses without low-floor features operate on the routes. These trips are highlighted in the pocket schedules.
• Wait for the bus with other people in a well-lit area. To reduce waiting time at your bus stop, call the Calgary Transit Teleride line (403-537-7777) and enter your four digit bus zone number to find out when the next two or three buses will arrive.
• Persons who use a wheelchair or scooter may travel with an attendant on Calgary Transit for the price of one transit fare. An Attendant Identification Card, valid as one fare payment, will be issued to all who qualify.
• Sit near the driver if possible. Priority seats for persons with disabilities and senior citizens are located beside the front door of Calgary Transit buses. The priority seating area provides easy access for customers with restricted mobility and makes it easier to communicate with the driver.
• Hold your purse and packages securely on your lap.
• It is a good idea to stay alert and awake on the bus.
• Tell the driver immediately if someone is bothering you.
• When you want to get off the bus, signal the driver by pulling the cable located along the window or push the "next stop" button on the vertical grab bar in the priority seating area. The "next stop" sign at the front of the bus will light up, informing passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing that the bus will stop at the next bus stop. A bell also rings to let other transit customers know the bus will stop.
• Stay on the bus if you notice someone or something suspicious at your stop, and tell the driver about your concerns.
• Tip: Calgary Transit offers a Stop Request service. After 9:00 p.m., as long as it is safe to do so, your bus driver can let you off along the route at a convenient location between regular bus stops. Make the request at least one bus stop ahead of where you want to get off.
• All C-Train stations are accessible. Designated parking stalls for persons with disabilities are available at all C-Train stations with park and ride lots.
• The centre doors on each C-Train car are wheelchair accessible and are marked with a wheelchair decal. Priority seats for people with disabilities and senior citizens are located by the C-Train doors.
• In an emergency on the C-Train, press the red HELP intercom button beside the C-Train door to talk to the C-Train operator. The HELP buttons beside the centre doors have been placed lower so they can be reached from a wheelchair.
• At C-Train stations and platforms, use the red HELP intercom button if there is an emergency, such as fire, smoke, vandalism, a medical emergency, or customers being bothered.
• Calgary Transit personnel monitor the stations and platforms using a network of about 200 security cameras and respond to requests made on the Transit Help Intercom System.
• Tip: While waiting at a C-Train station or platform, stay in view of a security camera, near a HELP intercom. Transit personnel will be able to see what is happening around you.