Living in an area where break and enters happen frequently can not only leave residents feeling unsafe, but can also cost homeowners money. But there are things you can do to protect yourself.

Pat has been targeted by thieves before, and now she doesn't take any chances, "At one time I didn't lock doors at all times. I certainly keep them locked at all times, you know, even screen doors."

Police are hoping more homeowners in Waterloo Region will do the same, because they say just a few adjustments can help avert the growing crime.

Waterloo Regional Police Cst. Raymond Mitton specializes in preventing commercial and residential break and enters.

He says "We have this false sense of security, that just because we are home, and in our house, that we are safe."

It's an idea reinforced by a break in on Tuesday when a male reportedly smashed his way into a Kitchener residence, while a woman in her 90s was at home.

Police say thieves are usually looking for cash, electronics and jewelry, items they can carry easily and sell quickly.

Even if you're house hasn't been targeted, living in an area considered to be 'high crime' could cost you, according to The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

Pete Karageorgos of the IBC says "It really varies by company…it could be a few dollars, it could be as much as a few hundred dollars."

Protecting yourself and your neighbours is key, according to police, crime prevention is a community responsibility.

Homeowners are encouraged to consider items like:

  • deadbolt locks and strike plates with three inch screws
  • security film that prevents glass doors and windows from breaking
  • keeping garage door openers inside the home, rather than in the car
  • installing security systems

The last item could protect both your home and your pocketbook.

Karageorgos says "Insurance companies will offer discounts for monitored home alarm systems…those savings can be ten to 15 per cent on your home insurance."

Pat has made some adjustments, but it was one crucial event that gave her peace of mind.

"He was arrested by the next day," she says. "I felt very good about that because I knew he was off the street and not in the neighbourhood."

Waterloo Regional police suggest homeowners do a security audit of their property, and they offer a list of things to look for along with some do's and don'ts.

The list is available at: http://www.wrps.on.ca/sites/default/files/stories/Crime_Prevention/Home_Security_Audit/securityselfauditform.pdf