Home Security 

Secure Your Door:

• Install a good quality deadbolt lock. 
• All door hinges should be accessible from the interior of the home only. 
• Most doors are installed with screws less than one inch in length. Door kick break-ins are common, so door screws should be at least 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches long.
• Ensure your door is equipped with non-removable hinge pins.

Secure Your Windows:

• Sliding doors and windows can be "lifted" out of the tracks with relative ease. Install screws or a blocking device above the sliding door or window to prevent it from being lifted off the tracks.
• Install a snug piece of wood in the track of sliding patio doors.

Other tips:

• Avoid hiding a key to your residence outside.
• Consider turning on lights or using timers for when you are away so it appears someone is home. 
• Keep bushes and landscaping trimmed to allow for neighbours and pedestrians to easily see if something is out of the ordinary, while eliminating places for thieves to hide. 
• Never leave notes on your door advising you are not home (for delivery companies). 
• Report suspicious activity in your neighbourhood to police. 
• Get to know your neighbours in the event you need a trusted person to help you or watch over your house while you are away. 
• Keep your yard well illuminated.
• Consider purchasing video surveillance equipment to help monitor your property. 

Apartment Building/Condominium Safety:

As a tenant:

• Do not permit someone you don't know enter the building.
• Never leave an external door propped open.
• Put only your first initial on the directory.
• Get to know your neighbours.
• Use building facilities during active times.
• Report suspicious activity.

As a landlord:

• Post signs near the main doors; on the outside: "We cannot open the door to strangers." On the inside: "Do not open the door to strangers."
• Facilitate introductions for new residents.
• Keep the property well maintained with working lights and well lit areas.
• Start a Neighbourhood Watch program.

Safety in underground parking lots

• Be aware if someone follows you into the underground parking area.
• Always check for suspicious people or vehicles before entering the garage or leaving your vehicle. If you see something suspicious notify security or police.
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
• Always lock your vehicle.
• Check your vehicle before you get in.
• Once inside your vehicle, lock the doors.

Elevator safety

• Observe passengers in the elevator. If you do not feel comfortable, wait for the next one.
• If possible, be the last to enter the elevator and be the last to indicate your floor.
• Stand with your back to the sidewall, near the control panel.
• If attacked, press as many floor buttons as possible.
• If someone suspicious enters the elevator, exit immediately.

Safety in laundry rooms or other shared spaces

• Time your trips during active periods when others are present or use the buddy system.
• If you must go alone, tell someone where you'll be.
• Look into the room before entering it.
• Report suspicious activity to security or police.