How can I add home security for condos?

Since you live in a condo, talk to your management company or your board.

Hi Amanda,

Although you already have surveillance security in your home, maybe beef it up a little with a well placed nanny cam or 2. Hopefully your security system is connected to a company which will monitor your condo for unauthorized breaches of windows and doors.

We also lock and put a strong pipe or wood slat in sliding doors and windows, this includes upstairs windows too. Burglars have ladders and might present themselves as a window cleaning company. This was how they gained entry into some friends of ours and ransacked their entire condo.

For potential areas of entry, take an objective outside walk around your condo, or better yet, bring a security officer and get their professional opinion-be sure to not give any details as of when you plan to be gone. If the information is available, see if the condo management company knows where the burglar tried to get into other's condos and take it from there.

What you could do is put your lights on timers, scheduled to go on and off as set up by you. This will give the impression that you are home, burglars usually do not enter the homes when someone is in them.

A surveillance security sign posted outside your condo (if allowed) or in the window might also deter a burglar, it puts them on notice. Or "Beware of Dog"or "Watch Dog on premises" sign might help too.

If you could get a bank storage box you could place you valuables there-such as jewelry, small collectables...

As a possible backup idea, is there anyone you could trust to occupy your condo, even part-time?

2dogal also came up with a good suggestion about contacting management.

Have a great trip abroad.

Consider placing a radio or two, set to talk stations, or a t.v. set on a timer, as well, and use these prior to departure. IIf you have a relative or a trusted friend or neighbor to visit your condo at various times of day/evening, it will give the appearance of being currently occupied.

Stop your mail 4-6 weeks before your trip, but do not enter a "resume delivery date" on the postal card, to prevent divulgance of your return date. Hand deliver the card to a postal worker at your local post office. Then, go to the Post Office once per week, to collect your mail, but not on the same day, from week to week. If anyone asks, you are not ready yet to resume delivery.

Also consider installing a hidden "nanny cam" somewhere in your home, with a very goof screen resolution and night time capability.

The security company my son chose has sensors that can detect the sound or vibration of breaking windows. We have one for our back room that has almost a whole wall of almost floor to ceiling windows and for a couple of larger windows in the basement. You could also do one of those ones that outside for people who ring the door bell that I see advertised on TV all the time. Many times burglars will ring the doorbell to see if someone is home and it connects to your smartphone so that you can answer it just like you are home.

Contact your insurance carrier to verify to what extent you may be covered for theft loss with your present policy. Even renters should have an insurance policy on the contents of their home.

If you have smaller size items that you consider to be very valuable, and might still be worried about, I would suggest that you put them in a safety deposit box at a local bank.

This alone may give you the peace of mind that you deserve while abroad.

Since you are going to be away only two weeks, it may not be cost effective to 'subscribe' to additional home security plans or schemes. These companies often make a profit on scaring folks into purchasing needless gadgets or ineffective equipment.

In the end, it is your decision, but be sure to check first that the company is approved by the BBB (Better Business Bureau) of the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) before engaging with them.

Hey, it is sad to hear about your problem. I think your surveillance security may not be enough. Cameras might also not be the most perfect product for your situation. Read some guide to home security products to find about the products on the market and prices. We have chosen some sensors at the doors and windows, 3 cameras and also we set up an alarm that co-works with the sensors (it makes noise when someone is trying to force the entry and the neighbors can react and call the police). Cameras can help you just to identify the guys and not prevent damages and stolen goods. Read some guides and then find a reliable company.