Break and enter tips

From the Toronto Police, tips for protecting your home:

• Report any suspicious activity you see happening around your home or business to the police, at 416-808-2222 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-8477 (TIPS). If you see a crime being committed, call 911
• Lock all of your doors and windows before leaving for work or retiring for the night
• Lock your garage door
• Use your alarm system even if you are home for the night
• Leave outside lights on during the night and have interior lights on timers
• Make sure windows and doors are not blocked by overgrown shrubs
• Install good quality deadbolt locks on all exterior doors
• Lock up extension ladders
• Put all garden utensils away so that they cannot be used as break-in instruments
• When buying high value items such as TVs, computers etc., cut up and turn their boxes inside out before you through them into the garbage or recycle
• Let your neighbours know if you are going away on vacation and suspend mail and newspaper delivery during your absence
• Do not leave your car keys by the front door or in the kitchen