While Canada is reporting much lower crime rates than the U.S., and the numbers of breaking and entering cases are not nearly as high as they were a decade ago, they still remain front of mind for both authorities and citizens. In terms of cities where it is most likely to happen, Regina ranks highest, while Toronto takes the last place in the top. Rough estimates say burglary rates in Canada have gone down from 251,361 in 2006 toover 159,000 in 2016. However, in some places, a residential break-in occurs every 90 seconds with the majority of them happening in pure daylight, potentially when the residents are at work.
Busting the myths around burglaries
Chances are that a large percentage of Canadians believe the common misconceptions around breaking and entering. Some of them are fuelled by what is shown in movies, such as burglaries happen at night, while everyone in the house is asleep, or during holidays when the property is left unprotected. This could not be more wrong. At least 65% of burglaries occur between 6 am and 6pm when the residents are off working or at school, and it has been reported that dark winter days are usually the preferred time of the year to commit such a crime. Nevertheless, it is best practice to be mindful about the possibility of a burglary 365 days a year.
Another myth that needs debunking is that a Neighbourhood Watch will be able to prevent any attempted crime. While this initiative has been taken up all around the world and for a good reason, it is not 100% bulletproof. The majority of burglaries happen in mere minutes and the most experts of thieves are probably just as aware as the next person that a Neighbourhood Watch patrol is around, so they will find ways around it.
Last but not least, there seems to be a belief floating around that home security systems are first of all not affordable and second of all, only effective in alerting rather than stopping the crime altogether. Studies have shown that an alarm system going off will deter the burglar and make him stop his activities at once. More high-end and technologically advanced systems also known as smart systems are now looking at preventing the burglar from actually entering the property altogether, while cameras enable an easier identification process. Finally, there are such solutions that can fit every budget – you just have to know where to look.
What can be done to reduce these numbers?
Yes, an attempt to breaking and entering a house does occur every minute or so. Luckily, over one third of these are deemed to be unsuccessful. According to residents, this is due to security systems.
Historically, when we think about home security systems we picture that overly saturated scenario of a blaring alarm going off as a result of activating various sensors, and needing a simple digit code to be put to rest, paired with infrared surveillance cameras installed at key entering points from across the property. But just like pretty much every aspect of our lives, technology advancements have revolutionized this as well.
One Toronto company in particular is specializing in risk assessment and security consulting services inspired by military technology. This is not as complicated as it may sound. Smart Systems Inc have built a comprehensive portfolio of solutions from smart fencing to laser and radar security systems which can help detect intrusions before they even happen. Think 360-degree surveillanceacross areas of up to 500 or even 1,000 meters. Imagine a team of experts who doesn’t just show up to your home, install a system and leave you struggling with its functionality. Every single client benefits from consulting, planning, designing, installation as well as continuous monitoring and advice from day one. This way, everyone can stay protected and keep an eye on their home wherever and whenever.
Keeping your property safe has really never been so easy and in reach. No one is shielded from a breaking and entering, regardless of neighbourhood or time of the day. It’s no wonder the smart home security industry is expected to bloom dramatically in the next couple of years. Even more so, it has become a top priority for house builders as well who previously only had this on their minds when they were contracted by celebrities and public persons or the more wealthy people. Security should not directly proportional with earnings or status, everyone is entitled to have a peace of mind when it comes to the safety of their homes.
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