I lived in the downest of downtown Ottawa (major capital city, population now about a million) for almost 30 years without a burglary. We had to move to lovely, leafy Stratford (population 32,000) to get our back door kicked in.

Unfortunately, security lights won’t help, as the east end of the house, including the back door, is screened by a seven-foot hedge. So I have a burglar alarm AND USE IT, I replaced the crappy basement windows, and I encourage my neighbour across the street to watch the house in the hope she will stop apologizing for snooping.

Of the various safeguards in place, I have the most confidence in Jane.