Security & Fraud

Gone in 60 Seconds

There's no doubt about it, as soon as the good weather hits, were outside enjoying those beautiful spring days contemplating and admiring the garden. After being cooped up all winter, it's nice to throw open the windows and doors and take advantage of the warm spring air. 

But lets not forget somebody else who could be taking advantage of the nice weather as well. Burglars waiting for you to drop your guard long enough to add your name to their long list of victims. Perpetrators who may come in the form of window washers, door to door salesmen, charity canvassers or even lost individuals.

The majority of burglars, don't even break into homes, they either walk through open doors or crawl through open windows. These fleet footed losers can slither through a window or door in less time than you can say hello to your neighbor. 

Don't invite these low-life's down the path of least resistance! It's time to tighten up on your security shortcomings and put an end to these stealthy opportunists disappearing through open windows or unlocked doors. 

So why do we leave our windows and doors open? It's because the majority of us are good honest law abiding citizens and we have a lot of trust for our fellow human beings. But it's the small percentage of untrustworthy individuals who take advantage of the vast majority.

In a perfect world, we get up in the morning, read the paper, enjoy a cup of coffee and head out to the back yard to enjoy the garden. Windows wide open, doors unlocked for convenience, what a great life!

You may argue you are living in a perfect world because you don't lock your windows or doors and have never experienced a break-in. Let me remind you that you could be playing a dangerous game of chance with your worldly possessions.

Yes, there's a very good chance while you're on the outside, a burglar could be on the inside collecting his weeks pay. Once inside, a burglar can rifle and run in less than 60 seconds, leaving you with nothing but a violated feeling. 

So why not get together this spring with your neighbors and organize a Block Watch? Your local police department would be more than happy to assist you in organizing the event.      

Whenever you create a partnership between neighbors and police, you are reducing your risks of crime. The most powerful police force in the country consists of the collective efforts of citizens and police.

It's a great feeling knowing you and your neighbors are working together to keep families safe. So remember, lock all your doors and windows including your overhead garage door before retiring to the backyard for that long awaited spring barbeque. 

If you don't, you might just wish you did! 

Please check out my new Web site at www.yourhomesecurity.ca or e-mail me at . Columns 2006 2005 2004