President’s Perspective

In 2006, the last year for which we have data, there were about 250,000 break-ins in Canada reported to police.  Almost six in ten break-ins were committed to residences.  While both residential and commercial break-ins declined last year, Canadians need to be alert and aware that the possibility of it happening to them does exist.   Part of the reason for the reductions in break-ins in many communities may be related to innovative police crime fighting programs targeting break-ins in specific high-risk neighbourhoods.  Another contributing factor may be an increase in the use of home security devices by Canadians.   The General Social Survey (GSS) conducted by Statistics Canada reported that more than twice as many Canadians had installed burglar alarms or motion detectors in 2004 (31 per cent) than in 1993 (15 per cent).  Also 34 per cent of Canadians reported in 2004 that they had installed new locks or security bars in their home. 

But it is not just the valuables that are stolen.  Victims of household crimes are left feeling violated, afraid and helpless.  About seven out of ten victims move within a year of a break-in. 

People should be prudent in the way they go about their daily lives.  One should not be a prisoner in their own homes, but one should take precautions.  With most families now being two-income couples, more homes are left empty during the day – when most break-and-enters take place.  While where you live factors into the risk of a break-in, your home is in jeopardy if you make it easily accessible for the criminal.  Most look for an easy target.   What to do?  It’s best to discourage the would-be thief from the outset.  An intruder first determines if the residence can be broken into without being seen.  If doors and windows are in plain view and it seems someone is home, the burglar will likely move on.   Clear lines of sight, good lighting and not leaving telltale signals that the house maybe empty go a long way to discouraging a perpetrator.

While the overall number of break-ins in 2006 is down by about 11,000 (or five per cent), it can happen to anyone. 

Despite hardening (a term used to describe the ease of entry to the house) which usually means good solid core doors, dead bolt locks and perhaps bars on windows in some neighbourhoods, someone who really wants to get into your personal residence can. 

I have been in the safety business for over 35 years and yes, I was one of those people who think  “it only happens to the other guy”…well I learned the hard way late last year when someone (or some people) broke into my house over the Christmas holiday season.  I was away visiting relatives for less than five hours.  Trust me on this, it can happen to anyone.

For the record, all exterior doors were solid core with Abloy top quality dead bolt locks on them.  I felt confident my family was protected.  Not so.  Since this occurrence, I am more cautious. I have installed a 24/7 monitored burglar alarm system with motion detectors throughout the house.  It does not mean I will never again be the victim of this crime, but it does mean that the chances are less.  The investigating officer advised me that most criminals just move on when they see the place next door is an easier target.

Safety, It’s An Attitude.

Jack Smith