Our homes are often the place where we feel the most safe, but instances can arise where we are confronted by angry neighbours, protesters, porch pirates, other late-night or unwanted visitors. Below are some strategies to protect yourself and respond appropriately if you have an issue at your home.
Before an incident
- Change all locks when moving into a new home
- Check to make sure there no interior photos available online (e.g. old real estate listings / social media posts)
- Ensure geo-location tags are turned off of any photos of the home
- Check if home address is listed online in any association with you (and / or business)
- Access to your property should be clearly defined with signage, path maintenance, lighting and fencing used to deter unwanted access or approaches. This means;
- It should be clear where your designated access point is to receive visitors
- That access point should be well lit
- There should be good natural surveillance of that area from the house, neighbours and the street – cut away overgrown trees and hedges if required.
- Pre-program local police and security company numbers into your phone
- Develop a relationship with your neighbours to alert each other of suspicious activity
- Consider duress or panic buttons for home or keychain, as required
When alerted to a potential threat
- Do not answer the door or engage
- Assess the threat maintaining safe distance and staying removed from the situation; you can use,
- Two-way doorbell camera and microphone
- Static security camera with quick access / monitoring capability
- Door Peephole
- Keep away from sidelights and front windows.
When you Need Help
- Call the police (emergency or non-emergency line, as required)
- You are not obligated to give your name
- Call your security provider or use duress alarm
- Private security is not advised to engage (let the police handle the disturbance)
- They can assess, record and report when the police arrive
- Keep away from windows and put your phone on silent
- Call any members of the household that are not home
- Advise them to remain away from the home until the issue is resolved
- Wait for confirmation from police that it is safe
This advice is for information purposes. If you have seen or heard anything suspicious, please contact the Police. Call 9-1-1 if you see a crime in progress or need immediate assistance
Get in touch if you would like a security assessment to make sure your home is secure and you are ready to deal with any challenges.
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