Most residential burglaries in BC are opportunistic — not planned. That means basic improvements can dramatically reduce your risk. Here's the complete picture.
THINK LIKE A BURGLAR
Opportunistic burglars assess targets in seconds. They look for easy access and low risk. Walk around your home and honestly assess: weak doors? Poor visibility from the street? Signs you're away? No cameras? Any of these make you a more attractive target. Eliminating them reduces your risk significantly.
DOOR SECURITY — THE #1 PRIORITY
30–40% of residential break-ins in Canada happen through the front door — often a simple kick-in. Most builder-grade deadbolts can be defeated with one kick because the strike plate uses short screws that only catch the door jamb veneer, not the structural stud.
- Install a Grade 1 deadbolt — Schlage, Medeco, or Kwikset Grade 1. Far stronger than builder-grade hardware.
- Upgrade the strike plate — Replace with a reinforced Grade 1 strike plate using 3-inch screws that penetrate the stud. This single upgrade is the highest-value door security improvement you can make.
- Don't neglect the back door — often hollow-core with weaker hardware. Treat it exactly like your front door.
- Reinforce the door frame — Door frame reinforcement kits add a steel channel to weak points, dramatically improving kick resistance.
SLIDING DOORS AND WINDOWS
Standard sliding door latches are weak. Add a security bar in the track, a foot lock, and secondary pin locks. Ground-floor windows should all have window locks. Window security film prevents easy glass breaking and holds shards together.
LIGHTING
Burglars avoid light. Motion-activated floodlights at all entry points are one of the most cost-effective deterrents available. Smart lights on a schedule simulate occupancy when you're away. Eliminate dark spots along pathways and side entries.
HABITS THAT MATTER
- Never announce vacations on social media
- Have a neighbour collect mail and vary your driveway footprints
- Never hide a key under a mat or pot
- Keep the garage door closed — an open garage telegraphs absence and provides tools
- Don't leave ladders visible that could aid access to upper floors
GET A SECURITY ASSESSMENT
Casper Locksmith offers professional security assessments for Burnaby and Vancouver homeowners. We evaluate every entry point, identify vulnerabilities, and give prioritized recommendations with honest pricing. Call (236) 826-4633.