Summer has arrived and everyone is reminded to take some precautions to keep families and homes secure. With the warmer weather finally here, several residents will gladly open their windows and doors to let in some of that cool air. Make sure that the cool breeze is the only thing that gets in!
“Every summer we notice an increase in crimes of opportunity and this season won’t be any different. Open windows and doors, whether it is your home or your vehicle, are basically an invitation for thieves to help themselves and they will.” said Cpl Bert Paquet of the Coquitlam RCMP. “Simple steps can be taken to ensure your valuables are kept safe and out of sight whether you are gone for a few minutes, or holidaying for days or weeks”.
Mary Ibe, one of our Local Community RCMP Stations volunteers, provides the following simple tips to make your home safer:
- Lock the doors and windows of your home even if you have to go out only for a few minutes. This tip also applies to vehicles as unlocked doors and windows are the principal cause of many break and enters that occur during the warm season.
- Do not leave your garage door open. Store your ladder in your garage or shed, and ensure that your sheds and backyard storage are secured.
- When applicable, a good quality deadbolt should be considered. Sliding windows and doors should be secured by anti-lift or anti-slide devices.
- Ensure that cat and dog entrances are secured.
- Always arm the alarm system even if you have to go out only for a minute. Consider installing an alarm system if you do not already have one.
- Ensure that you have low intensity but consistent lighting around the outside of your home.
- Store your valuables out of sight or in a safety deposit box or in a secure home safe. Create an inventory of all of your property with model and serial numbers included, and remember to engrave each item with your driver’s license number. For more information on how you can borrow an engraver, contact your local community police station.
- Install a wide-angle peephole viewer and do not leave notes on the door saying you are gone.
- Promote a sense of ownership by maintaining your yard and picking up any trash. Shrubs and trees should be trimmed in order not to obstruct your view, or provide hiding places.
- If you have to go away on vacation, ask your trusted neighbors to use your garbage cans and driveway. Remember to discontinue all deliveries (mail, newspapers), adjust your telephone ring to its lowest volume or make sure that the ringer is turned off, install motion sensor lights, and set timers on lights and radios. Also, arrange for someone to pick up mail or newspapers that are left on the doorstep and maintain your yard.
- Finally, create an increased sense of community. Interact with your neighbours!
For more information, visit your respective Community Police Station and find out more.
