Your home is the one place where you should feel safe.· It’s where you sleep at night.· Where you place your prized possessions.· Where your family stays.· Where your children play.· It’s your sanctuary.· It’s your safe haven.· It’s where you can put your feet up and relax.

Unfortunately that’s not always the case.

Criminals pray on the fact that most people let their guards down at home.  They take advantage of the perceived safety of your home and the expectation you have that you’re safe.  They understand that you will be less vigilant and less diligent about security when you’re resting in your own home.  Criminals take this opportunity to strike.

Most recently we have seen this happen in Markham, Ontario.  A woman was killed and her husband was shot repeatedly in a home invasion in the town north of Toronto.  There were 14 home invasions in York Region last year.

Over the summer, there was a violent home invasion in Winnipeg and just recently a brutal attack took place following a home invasion in Alberta.

So what can you do in order to prevent these violent, and often deadly, crimes?  The first step is to secure your property.  Lock all doors with deadbolts and ensure that your windows are secured as well.  Bars can prevent people from climbing through broken windows.  A monitored security system with surveillance cameras is a must as well.  In the event of an attack, an alarm can safe your life.

It’s also important to remember to stay safe, even when you’re at home.  Never allow a stranger into your house and do not open the door completely for anyone.  Many home invaders will knock on your door and then force their way in once you answer.

Having security cameras will capture the intruders and lead to a faster conviction.