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On 4th August I got a visit
from Constable Bernie Lowery of the Chatham-Kent Police. He was
going to go over home security for me and offer some general advice.
He brought with him a box
of locks and other material so I could see the actual products he was
recommending. He mention that often the door was the vulnerable area and
he recommended getting better security latch strikes.
These latch strikes are
seen at the bottom left of the above picture and only cost $10.00. He said
if you do nothing else get these fitted as they make a huge difference. In
Chatham, Swains, the locksmith, is on Le Croix St and they can also
arrange to fit them for you. He also showed me dead bolt locks which have
the option of being able to remove the open latch. So... if someone
broke the window of your door they couldn't reach in and open your lock as
the lever would have been removed.
I was also shown an
Electronic Switch Timer that can be used to turn on and off your lights at
certain times.
The local police force can
also lend you a laser gun with which to mark your valuables. So for
example if I used it to add my car license number onto my printer or other
valuables the police would be able to identify it.
Having marked your
valuables the police will issue you with as many of the above stickers as
you want to put on your windows or doors. This lets potential thieves know
that your valuables have been marked. They produce a leaflet about this
service...
They give general advice on
what to do when going away for an extended length of time...
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You discontinue mail,
milk and newspaper delivery.
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All possible entrances to
your home are secured.
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Your neighbours are aware
that you are going away and for how long. You have left a key with
someone you can trust.
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You have arranged with
someone to pick up any mail or newspapers that are left on your step.
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Many Police forces like
to know if your home is vacant, particularly if it is alarmed.
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Use a timer to switch
various household lights on at night and off in the morning.
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Have someone come in and
reposition curtains occasionally.
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In general, with the help
of friends and neighbours try to avoid the appearance that your home is
deserted. A few dollars to a neighbourhood person for for yard
maintenance can be money well spent.
They also produce an
excellent booklet with lots of good advice...
And so there you have it.
Well worth getting your local police to arrange a visit. |
