Hi neighbours!
I was put into contact with the Regina Police Service's Crime Prevention Strategist Wendy Stone and she gave me more information about home security. She also sent stuff about auto theft prevention, which is, unfortunately, very timely.  Here is some of it in condensed form:

• Leave nothing in view in your car (and preferrably nothing anywhere in your car). This includes registration which should always be on your person.
• Don't hide a second set of keys on your vehicle.
• Park safely in well-lit, busy areas.
• Never leave it unattended and running - even for a minute!
• Use a security system (Club, alarm, disabling device, etc.)
• Install stereos with removable brackets

 
 Karen Woolley, Neighbourhood Watch
 

CRIMEPROOFING Your Home

• Fact: most burglaries occur during day, most occur when house looks unoccupied
• Fact: most access places where they can’t be seen
• Fact: 1/3 basement window, 1/3 break window/door, 1/3 unlocked access

Outside Your Home

• keep shrubs trimmed
• don’t plant bushy trees by door
• avoid a high fence
• don’t leave ladders or chairs out
• screen door is easy to get in
• window air conditioner secured from inside
• have sensor lights or all night ones
• secure upper windows
• avoid a name on your mailbox or door
• outside door solid
• glass beside door should be at least 40 inches away
• glass should be laminated or coated or made of plexiglass
• if hinges are outside, make sure they can’t be taken off (if they can, put long screw in and cut off with a hacksaw)
• all locks deadbolts at least one inch long
• solid strikeplate with long screws in to the door frame
• night chains no good
• patio door needs a bracing bar and to be pinned together when closed

Apartments

• use only initial, not full name
• even better, add second name
• keep entrance door locked and ask others to do the same do not buzz or let anyone in unless you know or expect them
• even upper levels should lock balcony doors

Inside Your Home

• make it look occupied
• use timers (2 or 3)
• pin windows by drilling a hole and inserting a pin
• put security bars on basement windows
• close blinds or curtains at night
• mark your stuff with an engraver (use SIN)
• get decals for your doors
• put jewelry, cash and negotiable in safety deposit box

Most Stolen

• jewelry, money, electronics & liquor
• but they’ll take anything

Vacation

• mail delivery stopped or picked up
• lighting on timers
• grass cut and snow shovelled
• cancel deliveries
• have neighbour informed and have them take in flyers, park car in driveway and put out trash by your house
• turn down phone ringer
• work address on luggage
• don’t talk to strangers or repairmen about vacation

General Tips

• don’t leave notes saying you’re away
• no keys in obvious places
• no cash or handbags in view
• lock doors when in front or back
• leave radio on a timer
• video or photograph your belongings
• dogs are a deterrent
• know your neighbours
• inventory your stuff
• never enter home or try to confront a thief when burglary taking place
• Join Neighbourhood Watch!