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The Clarington/Courtice Independent, Bowmanville, Saturday, January 11, 1997 15 Tips on Making Your Home Safe and Secure This article is provided by local local Realtors ùnd the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) for the benefit of consumers consumers in the real estate market. market. Feeling safe and secure in your home is a major part of comfortable living. But in today's today's society, whatever neighborhood neighborhood you live in, the crime of break and entry is often an unfortunate reality. For home- owners, that means taking extra extra care and giving some special special thought to home safety. Neighbourhood watch programs, programs, increased media attention, attention, police outreach programs and new and better home safety safety devices have all been playing playing a role in lowering the number number of break and entries. And, homeowners can do a number of other relatively simple simple things to lessen their risk even further. According to the police, burglary is a crime of opportunity. While no home security system is ever going to be 100 per cent effective, there are a number of actions homeowners can take to reduce the risk of burglary. Here are a few: * Basement windows are the most vulnerable break-in spots in a house according to police. Make sure the locks on those windows are very secure (and window locks often are not). Add metal security bars attached attached to the outside frame of the windows or use wired, safety laminated or tempered glass in basement windows; * Flimsy locks on patio doors are also a major break and enter enter point in a home. Patio door locks that hook into the frame can easily be pried open, cut or unhooked. Consider adding auxiliary locks or add-on security security devices to patio doors. Make sure sliding patio doors cannot be lifted out of their tracks from the outside; * Locks on all the doors - front, back and side - should be solid and secure, as should door frames, hinges and other hardware. Burglars often simply simply check first to see whether any of the doors are unlocked, or seem easy to get through; * Entrances or windows should not be obscured by fences or hedges that burglars can hide behind. Make sure your neighbours, or others on the street, can easily see all entry entry areas of your home; * All doors should have outside outside lights with protected bulbs to provide night-time security. Burglars love it when they can work in the dark; * Doors, and particularly the Sutton Group-Excel Realty Inc. Chris Hobbs Sales Representative (905)721-1144 Specializing in Unique and Country Properties "HOME ON THE RANGE" Wonderful 40 acre farm backing onto the Ganaraska Forest! Horse barn, fenced pastures, stream and small orchard. Cozy 3 bedroom home, large country kitchen, fireplace, covered porches. 17 x 32' drive shed, oil heat and views! Magnificent! $259,900. "VILLAGE CHARM" All brick 2 bedroom home in Newtonville village. High ceilings, ceilings, wood floors + "loft-style" master. Walkout basement, oil heat, and lots of character! Easy 401 access and only 20 minutes to Oshawa. See it soon! $99,900. @J p front door, should have a high- quality viewer that lets you see unexpected visitors before you open the door; * If you keep ladders, tools or household work aids in the garage, garage, make sure the doors are locked so burglars can't use those items to gain access to second floor windows; The emotional trauma of a break-in is often much more difficult to deal with than any financial loss. As a homeown er, burglary is far from a pleasant pleasant thing to contemplate. But by being cautious and adding a few security precautions in various various parts of your home, you can rest easy and feel much more safe and secure. The Real Estate EOltl Business In DURHAM MEMBER BROKER XL Has Just Changed Never before has so much been done, for so many, for so little. The MINCOM SUCCESS SYSTEM is a consumer driven concept that rewards our clients and customers with lower fees while allowing our sales representatives to be the highest producing in the Canadian real estate industry. In addition to our minimum commissions, our extraordinary level of service and commitment to the consumer will not be compromised. "I INVITE YOU TO DISCUSS THIS EXCITING NEW CONCEPT." Edna Hamel Associate Broker Call 404-8200 539 King Street East, Oshawa 'The Undisputed Leader in FULL SERVICE Minimum Commission Real Estate' h-w X j