You might think that living in a small town like Calgary would make you safer than someone living in a big city. But even here, there’s been a rise of property crime (especially amongst apartment buildings). And while it’s impossible to be 100% safe at all times, there are plenty of ways to reduce the risk of being targeted by criminals. You probably don’t want to give up your love for exploring and going out with friends in this city. But it is important to take extra precautions, especially if you live alone or are leaving your home empty for extended periods. This blog post will share some helpful security tips for Calgary and the surrounding area to keep you and your home safe from intruders.
Lock the Doors and Windows
When you’re at home, lock all the doors and windows in your home – even if you’re inside. That includes the garage door, if you have one. If you’re gone for a few hours, lock everything up and turn the alarm on. If you’re leaving your home empty for an extended period, put timers on the lights inside and ensure all the blinds/curtains are closed. If you have the option to have a keypad or keyless lock system, go for it – they’re easier to use and more secure than regular key locks. If you own a condo in Calgary, also make sure to check with your condo board to see what their policy is on condo locking.
Hire Security Company
Suppose you’re living in an apartment building with a higher chance of property crime. In that case, hiring a security Calgary company specializing in protecting Calgary apartment buildings might be a good idea. If you’re in a gated community, security is likely already provided by the community association. Otherwise, you can hire a private security company to patrol your neighborhood and keep an eye on things. Ask friends or neighbors if they want to get together as a group. You could also consider investing in some home security systems. Again, ask your neighbors if they have used a home security provider they would recommend.
Have a Trusted Person’s Phone Number Ready
In case something happens to you, have a trusted person’s phone number ready – whether it’s a friend or family member. If something happens to you or you need assistance, they can call the authorities on your behalf. This can be especially important if you are alone and out exploring Calgary at night. If something happens to you while you’re out – like if you’re assaulted – you can’t just call the police and expect them to show up. You may have seen posters around Calgary with the “Ask for Angela” campaign. This is a program that was started in Calgary in the spring of 2017. The signs feature a woman named Angela and a phone number so people can call to report sexual assault.
Don’t Display Your Wealth Through Decorations
This one might sound counterintuitive, but don’t go around your home and show everyone how much money you have. If you have brand new electronics, art, rugs, or other valuables, consider investing in some decorative covers for them. If you have valuables that are too expensive to cover up, consider getting a security system that allows you to monitor their location.
Conclusion
You never know when or where you’ll encounter a criminal. But there are plenty of ways to reduce their risk of being targeted. By locking the doors and windows in your home, hiring a security company, having a trusted person’s phone number ready, and not displaying your wealth through decorations, you can reduce the risk of being targeted by criminals.
