Vancouver is a vibrant and safe city, but like any major area, it still experiences home break-ins. In fact, around 8–12 residential burglaries are reported per day in Vancouver, often occurring in broad daylight when families are at work or school. The good news is that there are effective steps you can take to secure your home and protect your family. Many of these measures are simple habits or affordable upgrades that significantly reduce your risk of being targeted – more than one-third of burglars enter through unlocked doors or windows, so basic precautions make a big difference. By combining smart technology with common-sense practices, you can create a safer home environment for your loved ones. The following are six essential ways to bolster your home security, each discussed in its own section, to help Vancouver residents stay safe and gain peace of mind.Visible security cameras and well-lit exteriors can deter intruders. Homeowners in Vancouver can leverage modern home security systems and community programs to keep their houses safe. From installing a reliable alarm system to getting to know your neighbors, the tips below cover multiple layers of protection. Let’s explore each of these six essential home security strategies in detail.
1. Install a Home Security System
One of the most effective ways to secure your home is to install a comprehensive home security system. A basic alarm system typically includes door and window sensors, motion detectors, and a loud siren to alert you (and your neighbors) of a breach. Simply having a security system is often enough to scare off intruders – studies show that homes without security systems are up to 300% more likely to be targeted by burglars.In a survey of convicted thieves, 60% said they would avoid a house if they found it had an alarm or security cameras. Clearly, a monitored alarm system is a huge deterrent. Choose the right setup: There are many home security systems available, ranging from professionally installed packages to DIY setups. Professional systems (offered by companies like ADT, Telus, or Alder) often come with 24/7 professional monitoring – meaning a service center is alerted when an alarm goes off and can dispatch police or fire services. This gives you continuous protection, even if you’re asleep or away.
With professional monitoring, you’ll typically pay a monthly monitoring rate as part of a multiyear contract. In exchange, the company may include the alarm equipment at low or no upfront cost. Some even offer perks like a theft protection guarantee – ADT, for instance, will pay up to $500 of your insurance deductible if a burglary occurs while your system was armed. Professional systems usually come with expert installation, a warranty (often a limited warranty on equipment), and access to customer support.On the other hand, DIY systems are a flexible option for those who prefer no monthly fees. Brands like Ring, SimpliSafe, or Wyze allow you to set up door sensors, security cameras, and an alarm system on your own.
You can self-monitor via smartphone apps (receiving alerts and viewing live video feeds), or opt into affordable month-to-month monitoring plans without long-term commitment. DIY systems tend to be wireless and easy to install, making them renter-friendly. However, you’ll be responsible for contacting authorities yourself if the alarm triggers and you don’t have a monitoring service. For tech-savvy homeowners, a DIY approach can be a cost-effective way to get started with home security.
Include smart features: Modern security systems often integrate with smart home devices for additional convenience and protection.
Consider adding a video doorbell so you can see and speak to whoever comes to your door, even when you’re not home. Smart locks are another great addition – you can lock or unlock doors remotely and give temporary access codes to guests or service people, eliminating the risk of hiding spare keys outside. Many systems also support environmental sensors (for smoke, CO, or floods) and security cameras with cloud storage.
When choosing a system, look at what features are offered: for example, outdoor cameras with night vision, motion-activated recording, and smartphone alerts for any activity. These features provide easy access to real-time information about your home’s status, no matter where you are.
Evaluate customer service: Whichever system you choose, go with a reputable provider known for excellent customer service. In an emergency, you want responsive support. Read reviews and testimonials from other Vancouver customers – for instance, one local homeowner, Rafael Gonzalez, praised his alarm company for “excelente servicio” (excellent service), and another client, Nalia Torres, said “muy buen servicio, los recomiendo” (“very good service, I recommend them”).
Such feedback highlights the importance of reliable, great customer service when it comes to home security. A company that offers prompt technical support, honors its warranties, and provides excellent service will make your security experience much smoother.
Many top home security companies even offer a lifetime service plan on equipment or no-hassle replacement policies to ensure your system stays up and running. The bottom line: a quality security system – whether a full-service monitored alarm or a DIY setup – is the cornerstone of a safer home.
2. Secure Your Doors and Windows
Sturdy locks and vigilant habits at entry points are essential for home safety. Doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars, so it’s crucial to secure them properly. Start by locking your doors and windows every single time – even when you’re home or stepping out briefly. It may sound obvious, but a shocking number of break-ins happen without any force at all. More than one-third of burglars simply walk in through an unlocked door or climb through an open window. In other words, failing to lock up is literally giving intruders easy access.Don’t make it easy for them – get everyone in your household in the habit of checking locks on all doors and reachable windows whenever you leave or at night.
Upgrade your locks: Examine the quality of your door locks and strengthen them if needed. Deadbolt locks should be installed on every exterior door (including the door from the garage into the house). Look for deadbolts with at least a 1-inch throw bolt. Reinforce the door frame with longer screws or a metal strike plate to prevent someone from kicking in the door.
If you have older sliding doors or patio doors, use a security bar or rod in the track to keep them from being forced open. Consider installing a smart lock on main entrance doors – these high-tech locks not only let you lock/unlock via your phone, but they also often have features like auto-locking and access logs. Smart locks can be more secure than hide-a-keys (which burglars know to check under mats and flowerpots).
Just be sure to create strong passcodes and update them periodically (see Online Safety in section 6).For windows, especially on the ground floor or basement, consider adding extra protections beyond the standard latches. You can install pin locks or sash locks on sliding windows to prevent them from being pried open.
Another option is shatter-resistant window film or laminating on glass panes – this transparent film makes it much harder to break the glass, slowing down or deterring intruders who try. Even simply placing a wooden dowel in the track of a sliding window can secure it from being opened from the outside. Always close and lock windows when you’re not using them. If you like to leave windows open for ventilation, only do so on upper floors or use window stops that limit how far they can open (so a person can’t fit through).
Don’t forget the garage and other entries: Garages are a common weak spot in home security. Keep your garage door closed and locked whenever it’s not in use – an open garage can be entered in seconds, and it often leads directly into your house. If you have an automatic garage opener, use a model with rolling codes (most modern openers have this) to prevent criminals from capturing your opener’s signal. It’s also wise to put a deadbolt on the door between the garage and your interior and always lock it at night.
For sliding patio doors, as mentioned, use a security bar or dowel so they can’t be slid open from outside.
Also, eliminate hiding places for spare keys: instead of hiding a key under a rock (burglars know all the typical spots), give a spare to a trusted neighbor or invest in a smart lock or lockbox.
The goal is to ensure there’s no simple way to get in from the outside. By securing all doors (front, back, side, and garage) and accessible windows, you harden the entry points of your home. Lastly, make sure your house number is clearly visible from the street and well-lit. This doesn’t stop burglars, but it helps emergency responders find your home quickly if you or a neighbor does report a break-in or other emergency. Every little detail counts when it comes to keeping your home secure.
3. Enhance Exterior Lighting
Darkness gives burglars cover. A well-lit exterior removes that cover and discourages unwanted visitors. Install motion-activated floodlights near key entry points like the front door, garage, and back patio. These lights surprise intruders and alert homeowners or neighbors. Use path lighting along walkways and install automatic timers or smart lights that turn on at dusk. Smart floodlight cameras combine motion lights with video recording for added peace of mind.Consistent exterior lighting is a simple yet effective way to signal that someone is home and paying attention. This small investment can deter break-ins and create a safer environment for your family.
4. Get to Know Your Neighbors
Community awareness is a powerful defense against crime. A strong relationship with neighbors helps ensure there are extra sets of eyes watching your property when you're away. Participating in a Block Watch program or simply sharing contact information with nearby homeowners can help everyone stay informed about suspicious activity.Neighbors can pick up mail, move bins, or keep an eye on your home during vacations. Burglars are less likely to target homes in neighborhoods where people look out for one another. Make time to build these connections—it costs nothing and adds a layer of security.
5. Maintain Your Landscaping
Overgrown shrubs and trees create hiding spots for intruders. Regularly trim bushes around windows and doors, and raise tree canopies so people can't hide underneath. Use thorny plants beneath windows to discourage entry. Store ladders and garden tools securely in a locked garage or storage unit to avoid giving burglars the means to access your home.A clean, well-maintained yard sends the message that your home is occupied and cared for. Even small details like removing piled-up mail or packages help maintain this image. Strategic landscaping combined with visibility can eliminate risks before they become problems.
6. Practice Online Safety and Smart Habits
Security in 2025 includes digital protection. Secure your home Wi-Fi with a strong password, change default logins on devices, and enable two-factor authentication where possible. Hackers can access smart devices, cameras, and alarm systems if your network is unprotected.Teach family members not to overshare on social media. Avoid announcing vacations publicly. Keep personal information private. Using a VPN and installing antivirus software adds an extra layer of defense.
Smart habits like locking doors, activating the alarm, and turning on lights at night should become second nature. Your behavior is the final line of defense and can often prevent a crime before it happens.
Conclusion
Protecting your home in Vancouver doesn't require expensive gadgets or complex systems. It’s about layering smart technology with practical habits and community connections. From investing in a reliable security system to staying connected with your neighbors, these six steps will help you create a safer space for your family.Focus on what works—lock your doors, light up your exterior, maintain your yard, and protect your online information. Most importantly, stay consistent. Security isn't a one-time effort but a way of life that protects your home, your family, and your peace of mind every day.If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Vancouver and want expert advice on safe, secure neighborhoods or properties with top-tier features, reach out to Adam Chahl.
Adam Chahl is an award-winning Vancouver Real Estate Agent with Oakwyn Realty and a proud member of the PLACE Real Estate Team. As a Medallion Club recipient – awarded to the top 10% of agents in Vancouver – Adam has been empowering people to purchase real estate for many years. Connect with Adam today to make your next move a confident and secure one.
