How the Pandemic Has Affected Criminality in Our Neighbourhoods
In terms of crime, the pandemic has created new crime highs and lows. While traffic offences and impaired driving violations may drop, other instances like domestic complaints, vehicle thefts, and break-ins may be on the rise.
1. Arm your system, even when you are home
- Ensure that your alarm system is armed at all times, even when you are home.
- Lock all openings to your home including windows, doors, side gates, garages and sheds at all times.
- Review your alarm system and panels with your family and explain the importance of keeping it armed.
- Your alarm system’s Duress or Ambush code should be known by every family member that lives within your home. This is the code that, when entered, appears to disarm your system but actually sends us a silent code indicating you are being forced to disarm and could be in danger.
1. Arm your system, even when you are home
- Ensure that your alarm system is armed at all times, even when you are home.
- Lock all openings to your home including windows, doors, side gates, garages and sheds at all times.
- Review your alarm system and panels with your family and explain the importance of keeping it armed.
- Your alarm system’s Duress or Ambush code should be known by every family member that lives within your home. This is the code that, when entered, appears to disarm your system but actually sends us a silent code indicating you are being forced to disarm and could be in danger.
2. Protect your car from theft
- As vehicles sit unused in our driveways, they may become targets to thieves
- Store your car key fobs far away from your front door or, in your black faraday box, to protect your vehicle against relay car theft.
- Lock your car doors at all times.
- Do not leave any valuables in your car, even if they can’t be seen through your windows, including your garage door remote.
3. Practice safe cyber security
- While you are home enjoying the freedom of the Internet, be sure not to fall for phishing scams. Read this list from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre of the types of scams reported that you should be aware of.
- Be careful about the photos you take in your house, share and post online. Do not show your home office, alarm panels, door/window contacts or anything linked to your security system.
- Use caution when making donations online. Triple check that the charity and links are legitimate.
- Cover the camera on your computer when you are not using it.
4. Ensure your home is well-lit at night and check your camera views for clarity
- Well-lit homes are turn-offs for burglars and criminals as the last thing they want is to be seen.
- Be sure to remove any obstructions around doors and windows to remove potential hiding spots for trespassers.
- In addition, chain down your patio furniture or make sure they cannot be used as props for burglars to reach second floor windows from your backyard.
- If you have a CCTV system in your home, check to make sure you can see clear pictures during the daytime as well as at night.
- Be sure your system is recording properly by reviewing the previous night’s events from time to time.
5. Be aware of “porch pirates”
- Online deliveries have become even more popular now that we are urged to stay home and retail stores have shut their doors. With a rise in online orders, comes a rise in porch thefts.
- Keep a look out for your anticipated deliveries.
- Disinfect them prior to handling and bringing them inside.
6. Use caution when opening your front door
- Ask strangers to provide identification, especially those that claim to be fundraising for charitable causes.
- When possible, try to identify people by using your surveillance cameras.
- If you are expecting a delivery, ask them to leave the parcel on your doorstep and retrieve it once they have walked away.
7. Assess your alarm response plan
- Front line workers all over the world are putting COVID related needs, and saving a life above other, including the police services.
- If things get worse, police officers can get sick which will stretch their resources even more and slow their response times.
- Let’s not forget that in September 2008, Police already warned residents that they will no longer be responding to home alarms unless verified with proof.
- Consider subscribing to our famous 6-minute alarm response service.
8. Protect your mental health
- Prolonged social isolation can exacerbate anxiety, depression and a sense of helplessness. Since we cannot spend time outside, take the time to look inside and take care of yourself and your state of mind.
2. Protect your car from theft
- As vehicles sit unused in our driveways, they may become targets to thieves
- Store your car key fobs far away from your front door or, in your black faraday box, to protect your vehicle against relay car theft.
- Lock your car doors at all times.
- Do not leave any valuables in your car, even if they can’t be seen through your windows, including your garage door remote.
3. Practice safe cyber security
- While you are home enjoying the freedom of the Internet, be sure not to fall for phishing scams. Read this list from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre of the types of scams reported that you should be aware of.
- Be careful about the photos you take in your house, share and post online. Do not show your home office, alarm panels, door/window contacts or anything linked to your security system.
- Use caution when making donations online. Triple check that the charity and links are legitimate.
- Cover the camera on your computer when you are not using it.
4. Ensure your home is well-lit at night
- Well-lit homes are turn-offs for burglars and criminals as the last thing they want is to be seen.
- Be sure to remove any obstructions around doors and windows to remove potential hiding spots for trespassers.
- In addition, chain down your patio furniture or make sure they cannot be used as props for burglars to reach second floor windows from your backyard.
5. Be aware of “porch pirates”
- Online deliveries have become even more popular now that we are urged to stay home and retail stores have shut their doors. With a rise in online orders, comes a rise in porch thefts.
- Keep a look out for your anticipated deliveries.
- Disinfect them prior to handling and bringing them inside.
6. Use caution when opening your front door
- Ask strangers to provide identification, especially those that claim to be fundraising for charitable causes.
- When possible, try to identify people by using your surveillance cameras.
- If you are expecting a delivery, ask them to leave the parcel on your doorstep and retrieve it once they have walked away.
7. Assess your alarm response plan
- Front line workers all over the world are putting COVID related needs, and saving a life above other, including the police services.
- If things get worse, police officers can get sick which will stretch their resources even more and slow their response times.
- Let’s not forget that in September 2008, Police already warned residents that they will no longer be responding to home alarms unless verified with proof.
- Consider subscribing to our infamous 6-minute alarm response service.
8. Protect your mental health
- Prolonged social isolation can exacerbate anxiety, depression and a sense of helplessness. Since we cannot spend time outside, take the time to look inside and take care of yourself and your state of mind.