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Protecting your home from a break-in

Every day about half a dozen homes are broken into in Ottawa. Although money, jewels and computer equipment are often stolen, so to is the sense of security for many homeowners.

According to statistics, there were nearly 4,000 break and enters in Ottawa in 2007 -- a number that amounts to about 10 break-ins every day.

"It was really an upsetting experience," said Ray Stone, whose daughter discovered their home was broken into when she came home from school and found the door open.

The home was ransacked; the crooks even fed the dog to keep him quiet.

"That wasn't bad enough . . . about two months later we were broken into again," Stone told CTV Ottawa.

After the second robbery, he decided it was time to install a security system: "I find that now I have a security system, I find one of the first lines of defense is that sticker on the door."

Like Stone, Adam Makucki's home was also targeted by thieves. His son, though, was home at the time of the incident.

While police ruled it a break and enter, Makucki calls it a home invasion -- one of several that have occurred in the west end in recent weeks.

"You're basically invaded in your bedroom," he said in reference to the experience.

Since the attack, he's installed his own home-made security system to protect his low-income rental. Still, Makucki says he's not sure better security will stop the motivation for thieves.

"Is there a way to protect yourself? Yes, live in a different neighbourhood," he told CTV Ottawa.

Police, however, advise residents that break and enters are not isolated incidents -- they happen everywhere.

"The key is to make your home as difficult and uninviting to an intruder as possible," said Const. Ryan Strotmann of the Ottawa police.

He says residents can make sure their homes are protected by getting a home security inspection through the Ottawa police service.

Strotmann says residents can also take their own steps to beef up the security protecting their homes.

Outside, he says the key is to keep the front and back of your house lit up at night -- something that can be as simple as installing motion detectors around your home.

Other solutions include making sure your door is strong and is locked with a deadbolt, which helps prevent thieves from kicking in your door.

Police warn that residents should also install screws or a metal bar in the gap between walls and patio doors or sliding windows, as sliding glass can easily be lifted from its track.

Others who have basements might also want to consider installing bars on basement windows.

Strotman says those who are looking for more advanced security setups can install security alarms with cameras, adding another layer of protection to their homes.

Some of those systems allow homeowners to monitor their homes from work and many security companies now offer a feature that will contact homeowners if their alarm system has been turned off.

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