Monday July 3 2023

Prevention and security with summer vacations

Summer vacation is fast approaching, and many are those planning to escape their daily lives in their condo. However, it’s a good idea to remember certain preventive and security measures to avoid theft and intrusion while you are away.

Here are a few updated tips to help you enjoy your summer vacations with peace of mind.

1. ACCESS CONTROL AND VIGILANCE

Only let in people you expect or know. If someone claims to need access to the building, ask them to ring the bell at the specific address where they are expected. Don’t open the door without checking it first.

Avoid leaving valuables visible in your vehicles, even if it’s parked in the building’s interior parking lot. Thieves entering a building often have the opportunity to target cars and steal laptops, cameras, handbags, and other valuables.

2. DISCRETION ON SOCIAL NETWORK

Avoid mentioning your vacation departure or the exact dates of your absence on social networks such as Facebook. Limit access to your profile by carefully configuring the privacy settings. This will prevent ill-intentioned people from discovering that you’re not at home. The “Journal de Montréal” published an interesting article on this subject: Les voleurs adorent Facebook.(in french)

3. SECURING VALUABLES

Store jewelry, valuables, and important documents carefully. Don’t leave them on display or in their usual place. Consider putting them in a safe deposit box at your bank. Avoid keeping large sums of money at home.

4. SURVEILLANCE AND MUTUAL ASSISTANCE

• Appoint someone you trust (family, friends, neighbours) to regularly visit your condo while you’re away. This person can pick up your mail and make sure everything is running smoothly. If you have good relationships with your neighbours, you can establish mutual surveillance of your homes, which is a valuable advantage.
• Find out about theft prevention and neighbourhood watch programs offered by your municipality or borough.

5. USING TECHNOLOGY

• Take advantage of technological advancements to install automatic timers with random settings. This allows you to control the lighting and/or the radio, giving the impression that there is a presence in your condo and discourage would-be thieves.
• If your condo is equipped with an alarm system, inform the superintendent of your building of your absence, and provide them with the necessary information on the operation of the system. Also make sure that the person you trust has access to this information.

6. PRE-DEPARTURE PREPARATIONS

• Empty all garbage cans before leaving your condo. 
• Verify all windows are closed and locked.
• Inform the superintendent of your co-ownership of your absence.

The SolutionCondo Team wishes you all the best for your summer vacations, and hope you’ll enjoy a relaxing and peaceful time with family and friends.

For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/2Tel1wu (in french).