• Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed, especially near doorways, and don’t hide spare keys outdoors.

• Keep your house well lit. Maintain the illusion of an occupied house by setting your lights on timers in different rooms. Consider installing motion detectors in front and back.

• Invest in good quality deadbolt locks for all exterior doors. Chain locks are not recommended; most have weak chains and short screws that pull away easily from the door frame. Don’t forget to lock windows and the garage door.

• Keep valuables like lawnmowers, tools and bicycles out of sight. If microwaves, televisions and audio equipment can be viewed easily through open windows, draw the drapes when away from the house.

• Lower the volume on your telephone ringer and answering machine. A constantly ringing phone can tip off a thief that no one is home. Never leave a message on your answering machine that you are out of town.

• Check the locks on sliding glass doors. Place a wooden rod in the track beside the door so it can’t be opened. Exterior doors should be made from metal or solid hardwood, at least 1 ¾ inches thick. Entrance doors should have no more than 1/8 inch clearance between the door and frame.

• Become involved with Neighbourhood Watch. Let a trusted neighbour know about travel plans and have them collect the mail.  Provide contact numbers and a spare key for emergencies.

• Fully close your garage door. Even a small opening is an invitation to a possible thief.

• Always lock the doors when you leave the house. Keep the doors locked when working in the yard or a secluded part of the house.

• Park your car in the garage with the door closed at all times.  Burglars will look for changes in patterns and an empty driveway may be the tip-off that you are out of town.