For many, safety is a high priority. A safe neighbourhood provides a sense of security and comfort for you and your family, and it can take more than simply locking doors and windows.
MAINTENANCE
Although we all have busy lives, home maintenance can deter someone looking to take advantage of an opportunity. Overgrown shrubs or trees can provide natural cover for intruders, and an unkempt lawn may cause others to think you’re away for some time and may be easy prey. Installing a fence around your property can also make it more difficult for them to access your home, creating an added obstacle upon entering and leaving. Keeping a well-maintained exterior home also lets you recognize if anything seems off or has been tampered with. Intruders will often ‘scope’ out locations before committing the act. Spotting anything unusual can help you prevent a potential robbery (whether in your home or someone else’s!) by alerting neighbours and/or the authorities.
SECURE
Ensuring locks on all exterior doors and windows is your first step. It may seem obvious, but criminals tend to check and see if doors are unlocked, giving them an easy opportunity to strike. This includes your garage and all vehicles, even when you are home! Install and use blinds and curtains to prevent others from seeing inside your home, especially at night. We also advise not hiding spare keys under a doormat or in a plater; while it may seem handy in a pinch, intruders often look in potential hiding spots for easy access. If you need a spare available, please keep it with a trusted family member or long-time friend.
Many modern builders install home security rough-ins in their new infill homes, allowing you to easily install a home security panel, window and door sensors, motion sensors, and more. This allows for remote monitoring of your home, even when you are away for a day or a week, and will enable you to lock and unlock doors from your phone!
LIGHTS
Outdoor lighting options to illuminate dark areas around your property can deter an intruder, keeping you and your family safe. Floodlights can also ‘spook’ a would-be intruder. If you’re planning on being gone, whether on a trip or at work, using a timer in the home can make it appear occupied!
We suggest Gemstone Lighting. Gemstone Lights Calgary offers an intelligent and enduring solution for permanent outdoor lighting. Utilizing cutting-edge, energy-efficient technology, they have illuminated thousands of homes and commercial properties across Calgary and its surrounding areas! Their advanced LED track lighting system is effortlessly controlled through any smart device, offering a fully customizable ambiance suitable for any season, too!
Designed to elevate the aesthetic appeal of your property, this system not only enhances your home’s atmosphere but can also serve as an effective security lighting system, providing protection with style.
Check out Gemstone Lights here!
CAMERAS
Surveillance is key! Whether it’s a ring camera or top-tier security devices surveying the perimeter, both can act as an additional deterrent for thieves. In the unfortunate event your home is intruded upon, the authorities can also use this evidence to find those responsible. If you cannot purchase cameras, another simple deterrent is simply placing warning signs about dogs, security systems, or both. This is an easy hack, even if you have neither! Once again, intruders are looking for easy opportunities and will avoid homes that seem guarded, so be sure to use this to your advantage.
ACTION
Researching the neighbourhood is always a good step for those purchasing a new home; it’s ideal to know the crime statistics in the area, but also make sure to introduce yourself to your neighbours once you move in. Consider joining a page on Facebook or Nextdoor to communicate and share information with others in your area. Don’t feel intimidated if you’re not new to the area, either! It’s never too late to become active in your community. This allows you to keep tabs on recent crime or wildlife in the area, watching for those concerned with coyotes and bobcats!
You can also ask us about a neighbourhood you’re considering buying in! Working in inner-city real estate for over 20 years means we have insight into how these communities feel, having spent time in them with our clients and families ourselves.
