The Ontario Provincial Police reminds residents to secure their property against burglars before leaving for vacation this holiday season. Wellington County OPP said they see an increase in break-and-enters when families are away on vacation.
They said securing all entry points before leaving is important, which means locking and closing all doors and windows, even in the basement. For sliding doors, they say putting a rod in the track can prevent them from being opened.
They added that many people overlook the garage as a potential entry point. For garage doors that are remote-operated, they advise unplugging the door or taking the remote with you.
They said having a trusted friend or neighbor check on your property is a good safeguard, as they can collect mail and keep it from forming a pile, which could alert potential burglars to your absence.
Craig Soldan, the media relations and community safety officer for Huron OPP, said friends and neighbors can help give the appearance that someone is home.
"Have a neighbor or friend or relative, someone you trust, monitor your home or your business while you're away. So, just checking on your property, reporting any suspicious activity, ensuring that, for example, the lights are on outside. That's what we would always recommend, light it up," he said. "Clearing the driveway of any snow, just to make it look like you are coming and going and you're home."
Wellington County OPP suggest putting timers on lights to have them turn on and off as normal.
Security systems can be costly, but Soldan said if you already have cameras on your property, you can register them with CAMSafe.ca.
"That's a free, voluntary registry, and if there's ever anything that happens on or around your property, the OPP have a registry that we can go to and contact the homeowner and view the video surveillance if it's available, to help us solve crimes," he said.
Wellington County OPP also advises securing all valuables, whether it be in a safe in your home or at the bank. Waiting to post pictures from your vacation until after you get back is a good idea, as well, so less people know you're away.
They also suggest turning off unnecessary utilities to prevent flooding or fires, and reviewing your home insurance policy to make sure you're covered for theft and damage.
"By following these simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the chances of your home becoming a target while you're away," they said.
Story by Blackburn Media Intern Julia DeJong