How to keep your home from being robbed

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1/ Your neighbours are your best allies  

While you’re away,  the best solution is to ask one of your neighbours to keep an eye on your house, report anyone lurking around it, pick up your mail, water the plants, mow the lawn, feet the cat, and so on. Tell them they can help themselves to the vegetable garden or park their car in front of your house.

2/ Take care of your mail

Mail piling up in your mailbox is a dead giveaway that you're not home. For important mail, ask Postes Canada directly to hold your mail. We’d also recommend you suspend your newspaper and magazine subscriptions while you’re away. And don’t forget to post a ‘no junk mail’ sign on your mailbox.

3/ Leave a light on

Get a timer to turn on lights in your home. It’s best to program the timer randomly to make it seem like someone is at home. You can do this with interior and exterior lights.

4/ Mark your valuables 

It’s a good idea, even if it takes a little extra effort. You can have your valuables engraved and deter potential burglars by putting a clearly visible sticker in the window of your home. Burglars have no interest in engraved objects, because they’re hard to resell. Talk to your local police or Sûreté du Québec for more information. 

5/ Consider installing an alarm system

It’s a good way to deter burglars. Plus, it could lower your home insurance premium.

6/ Make a list of your property 

It’s a good idea to make a list of your possessions and their values. You can also attach a photo or video for more details. Keep a copy of the list outside your home for more security.

Don’t:

  • Share your vacation dates on social media
  • Let your voicemail fill up
  • Leave valuable objects out in plain sight
  • Put a key to your house under a flower pot or doormat

Have a great vacation far away from your well-protected home!