Home Security is A Must
Home Security
The necessity for home security cannot be overlooked. Today is August 29, 2018, and this morning while my wife and I were still in bed thieves broke into our garage with the house being next. There have been many posts on Wealthy Affiliate recommending security of all sorts, from computer security, personal banking, and travel. Give your personal security some thought.
This morning the thieves pried open a gate and drove their quad into the yard and then forced open the patio doors of my office that led to my garage. They took petty stuff and then came to the door of the house and knocked to see if anyone was home. I got up and went to the door and this guy said that his car broke and needed help. I said I will get dressed and help. I went back in and locked the door and when I came out to get my jacket I found my office had been searched and this guy was gone.
After a look around and assessment I phoned the RCMP and reported the break in. I found out later that the same people went down the road and assaulted a neighbor and stole his truck and wallet. That's the dangerous part ! How close did I come to getting assaulted.
I spent two hours with the police giving a report and reviewing CCT video and security pictures. Somehow the RCMP recovered my property and I will get it back. There is minor damage to doors and a very big feeling of being violated.
What To Get Out Of This
The thieves were in my garage for about 15 - 20 minutes. When my son went to work he did not set the alarm system and If that had been set they would have been gone a lot sooner. SECURITY PROTOCOLS ONLY ARE USEFULL IF THEY ARE APPLIED ALL THE TIME.
When I went to the door I was to naive about who was at the door. The second thief could have attacked me and got in the house. A LACK OF SITUATIONAL AWARNESS.
If the thieves had found wallets and keys there had been more theft. My procedure is to lock up all sensitive material at all times. Even if I have to go into the lock up several times a day I still lock everything up. This includes wallets, keys and firearms. The problem with gun safes is that they look like gun safes. If you but something big and heavy its may not be that big of a problem however if its is light it will probably be stolen. These tin gun boxes are junk, Buy a safe.
Security Cameras
Security cameras are a must have option. CCT TV plus wild life cameras are what I use and have had good results. There are lots of options and it pays to do some study before buying anything. Along with cameras properly placed motion sensor lights are a good idea too.
Insurance
Insurance is a necessity. Its also nice to never have to use it. It could take months to recover from an event that with some preplanning and preparation could be avoided. The best insurance is to make your home unattractive and difficult for thieves. I am always scared that these undesirable people might do something to my cats and dogs.
In closing, I find that rural Manitoba is a not a very stress free environment. We have to pay attention all the time. Maintain your situational awareness and don't leave your valuables out in the open. Get a good security system and use it all the time. Password all your computers and backup your stuff. Remember you can't build websites if your computer is gone! Watch out for your neighbors.
Trevor
Recent Comments
19
Hi Trevor
I thought that only here in South Africa were Criminals were so Blatant Bad and Dangerous I am so pleased that you were not assaulted A BIG wake up to your Suburb
Thanx for Sharing
David
Hello David. The boldness of criminals is amazing. It is expensive to fight terrorism. But it must be done.
Trevor
Good afternoon Trevor,
That was a close one. Your guardian angels did a good job.
Happy to hear you are both safe. We had an alarm system put in one year ago. Now that Cindy is not here anymore it is more than necessary.
Greetings from the south of Spain, Taetske
Thanks Taetske. The purpose of this post is to give some ideas on home security. Alarm systems are great but must be used all the time. You are right I am very fortunate not to get assaulted and I am getting my stuff back with very little damage to the building. It was a good thing I was home.
Trevor
It would appear you were very lucky not to have been assaulted by your intruders. I was broken into many years ago and it makes you feel as if you have been violated.
Derek
Thanks Derek. The violation part is a big factor when you get broken into. Home security means making your home as unattractive as possible to would be thieves.
Trevor
OMG...you were very lucky...a lot more damage could have been done. It is such a violation...not to be safe in our own home. Thanks for the reminder.
Debbie
Hello Debbie. Rural living used to be considered peaceful, but now rural Canada requires a person to be on the alert at all times.
Trevor
Hi Trevor
Whew, that was a scary read! I'm so grateful that you and your wife, and 4-legged family members, are all safe!
It is scary to think what can happen just the second that one lets your guard down, given that you were a MAI (as per comment to Jacqueline) - wow!
I'm taking away from your experience, your diligence in locking away stuff. Thank you, I will try to emulate that! ;-)
Please look well after each other and give each other, pets included, a hug on our behalf!
Sharlee (Chocolate IceCream)
Hello Sharlee. If my stuff was not locked up my keys and wallet would have been gone. A good hint is to photo copy all the contents of your purse or wallet and lock it away so if it disappears you have a good record of contents. If they take your keys it might mean they intend to return and use your own keys to get in. That's why all locks should be changed after a break in. Thanks for your concern and we will be vigilant.
Trevor
Rocky Road.
Hi Trevor
Oh yes, I'm sure if it wasn't locked up, it would have been gone - and the vehicles probably too, if they could get the keys for that.
Excellent hint to take photos of everything in the wallet! Also remember to take photos of the back of the cards of the phone number to call in case it is lost! It will safe a lot of time when needed.
Yes, we have always changed locks - it is a small sacrifice for one's own security. Even when we rented places, we changed the locks, not knowing who lived there before us and who may still have keys.
Continue to stay safe! ;-)
Sharlee (Chocolate IceCream)
Wow! That's scary, glad you and your wife and pets are ok. One of the perks of living in a busy city and neighborhood is all the eyes and ears. Everyone is very nosy and watches out for each other where I live. I think your story is one of the reasons I would never be able to handle rural life.
Honestly, if I lived in your situation I would have a couple of the largest dogs I could find who were trained to scare, or even hold down intruders until the police arrived.
Home security is a great niche idea. You could have an authority site on this topic in no time.
Thanks Wendy. I have thought about that very thing. I like my rural property but the constant security concerns is stressful.
Trevor
Hi, Trevor, what a story, scary! and what a lesson to be remembered, we always have to be cautious with anyone you don't know, I have a tendency myself to open my door to anyone, I have to listen more when people said don't trust anyone!
Thank you for sharing.
Jacqueline
Hi Jacqueline,
It pays to be careful. Finding the balance of situational awareness and paranoia is practiced and trained response. I was a martial arts instructor for many years and that business gets a person to asses more what is around you, however I did let my guard down today. There are courses to take. Be careful and all the best.
Trevor
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Omg. I'm glad you or anyone in your household were not harmed. Thanks for sharing because it would be scary to have someone break into my home while we're still home. Glad that second thief didn't get violent too.