Did you find this post searching for the “best home security in Windsor and Chatham”?

‍If so, you’re probably looking for a solution to your home security concerns. Perhaps you’re new to the area or you’ve become worried about reports of increased crime in the region.

While there is no such thing as a totally crime-free town or city, our review of crime patterns on Chatham’s Interactive Crime Map, as well as through the Windsor Police crime clock does, unfortunately, show an increase in crime in these areas.

Increasing crime rates in Windsor and Chatham

Here are some eye-opening statistics that we published in a post about crime statistics in Windsor.

• Every 5 1/2 hours, someone attempts a break-in
• Every 2 days, there is a robbery or attempted robbery
• A total of 9931 crime incidents were reported in Windsor in the past two years (Aug. 13 2017 – Aug. 13, 2019)

Since it’s JM Security Canada’s mission to keep our community, its residents and their properties safe, we strive to raise awareness of Windsor and Chatham’s crime rates and also offer products, services and guidance to help prevent break-ins and robberies.

Think like a burglar to protect your home or business

To have peace of mind that you’ve protected your family and home or business from any break-in attempts, you should start by stepping back and looking at your property from a burglar’s perspective.

For example, have you ever pushed open a basement window or slid back an old bathroom window to get into your house when you forgot your house key?

Do you regularly leave back doors or sheds unlocked? Let’s face it, if you can manage it, a thief can too.

These present glaring opportunities to would-be thieves and leave your property vulnerable to theft.

Home security tips from actual burglars

There have been studies and surveys of former burglars who have shared their insight to help homeowners prevent crime. The following is an overview of some of their advice.

• Most common method of break-in entry: an unlocked door or window. Some burglars reported kicking the door open, rather than shattering glass, which can be loud and offers injury risk.
• Optimum time of the day for break-ins: between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m., since anyone coming home for lunch should be gone and homeowners and children would likely be at work or at school at that time.
• What deterrents might turn a burglar away? Some burglars noted that home security signs and security cameras or alarms would cause them to move on to another home. A ringing alarm activated by a door or window sensor, would definitely send the burglars running. Hearing the bark of a large dog would also likely keep most burglars away.
• How do burglars determine a home is vacant? Having lights on, (especially a single porch light) but blinds and drapes closed was apparently a signal to burglars that homeowners were likely not at home. Alternately, hearing a radio or TV on would prevent most burglars from attempting a break-in and definitely send a burglar running if they hear these after entering the home.
• Once inside, where did burglars look and what did they steal? Most thieves reported starting their search for valuables in the master bedroom, then moving through the house. They checked drawers, bookcases, stoves, freezers and even toilet tanks. Targets they were looking for include: cash, credit cards, jewelry, electronics, and guns.
• What makes a home an easy target for break-ins? Burglars are looking for a target where they won’t be seen breaking in or removing the stolen goods. Their ideal property includes one that has:

1. tall fences
2. overgrown trees or bushes
3. blind spots where doors or windows are blocked from view
4. older window frames  
5. cheap wooden doors

Burglar-proof your home

Now that you are “thinking like a burglar” and understand some of your home’s possible vulnerabilities, you can start to improve your home’s security.

Here are some steps you can take to protect your home and its contents.

Step #1: Start by taking small home security steps

The simplest way to get started is to review our post that offers “5 easy steps to protect your home against intrusion”.  These preliminary steps include taking a look at the condition of your doors and windows; and effectiveness of your locks; the condition of your landscaping and outdoor lighting.

Step #2: Conduct a comprehensive home security assessment

You can also take our more comprehensive home security assessment that can be downloaded here.

Step #3: Improve home security with some simple DIY projects

Once you figure out where your home is most vulnerable, you can often make some major security improvements with little cost or effort. For example, you might need to:

• Strengthen or change doorjambs
• Add a strike plate to your door
• Replace a door handle lock with a deadbolt
• Repair a broken window locking mechanism
• Trim shrubs or trees for better visibility
• Add outdoor lighting

Step #4: Contact your local home security or monitoring professionals.

If you decide you’d like to take your home security to the next level with security cameras and home alarm systems, we offer a detailed introduction to home security systems in our article, “How Do Security Systems Really Work”?

When you are ready to contact a professional, be sure to contact a security company in your area, and make sure they offer free in-home assessment, consultation, installation and 24/7 customer support.

‍In Windsor or Chatham, connect with JM Security Canada for a free in-home assessment and estimate. We hope that you will include JM Security Canada on your short-list of local security companies in the Windsor/Chatham area.

We strive to provide the perfect blend of team and technology, allowing us to offer great service and flexible pricing (including 100% cellular monitoring 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and a 60-day money back guarantee).

‍Contact our team, who will take the time to listen and understand what you want to accomplish and recommend a customized solution to offer you peace of mind.