Did you know that recently Statistics Canada reported that there are approximately 130,000 break-ins a year reported to police in Canada? However, some of these crimes remained unreported as well. Property crime losses range from little or nothing of value to materials costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Unfortunately, burglars can do much more than steal your possessions. They can commit assault if they are surprised by someone coming home or target a home that is occupied. In fact, home invaders will use an exorbitant amount of force and threats to gain control and instill fear.

Recent high-profile incidents of 'home invasion' have received significant exposure in the media, particularly where the elderly have been targeted. Nearly three times as many victims in home invasions were elderly compared to other types of robberies. Home invaders also seem to make a point of hurting their vulnerable victims. The impact of home invasions extends beyond the violence of the crime itself to a long-term loss of the victim's sense of safety at home.

"If you have been a victim of a burglary, chances are that you will be vulnerable to a burglary a second time," explained Patrice De Luna, V.P. of Marketing and Business Development for Reliance Protectron Security Services. "The burglar will know how easy it was the first time they targeted your home. This experience will forever change your life. However, for a small amount of time and money you can make your home more secure and reduce your chances of being a victim."

According to De Luce, many burglars will spend no longer than 60 seconds trying to bread into a home. That's why good locks and good neighbors who watch out for each are big deterrents to burglars.

De Luce also suggests the following tips:

• Home security systems can be a good investment, especially if you have many valuables in your home, or live in an isolated area or one with a history of break-ins
• Home security systems are an effective deterrent
• Thieves don't like bright lights. Install outside lights and keep them on at night.
• Keep your yard clean. Prune back shrubbery so it doesn't hide doors or windows. Cut back tree limbs that a thief could use to climb an upper-level window.
• Leave shades, blinds and curtains in normal positions.
• Do not open the door without question when your doorbell rings or someone's at the door.
• Use your peephole and if you don't have one get one installed.
• If you are not expecting a delivery or service call, do not answer the door.
• Make sure your home security system includes a loud inside house alarm, detectors at all exterior doors, and motion sensors in the master bedroom and main living areas.

This article was provided by Protectron. Protectron is one of Canada's leading home security, monitoring and fire safety companies. Find more information on available home security systems at www.protectron.com .