With the arrival of warmer weather, the Peterborough Police Service has issued some crime prevention tips for homeowners.
In your home
Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you’re immune from theft. People who have been working in their yard or garden have gone back inside their home to find belongings taken.
- It’s a good idea to keep your doors and windows locked.
- When in the backyard lock your front door, and vice versa.
- Don’t leave your garage door open with the contents easily accessible. If you’re working in the backyard, keep your garage door shut.
- Consider installing an alarm system.
In your yard
During the warm weather, outdoor belongings are often targeted by thieves. And don’t give thieves easy access to tools that can help them break into your home.
- If you keep ladders out, be sure to chain or padlock them. A ladder can be used to gain entry to second story windows. If at all possible, store the ladders in a shed or garage.
- Put tools away after a day of yard work. Lock them in a shed or in an enclosed garage area. Screwdrivers, hammers, and pry bars can be used to break into your home, garage, or vehicle.
- Use a chain or a cable to lock your patio furniture.
- Always put bicycles away in a garage or shed. If you do not have either, lock them to something that can’t be moved.
- Trim trees and bushes that could conceal burglars, especially around windows and doors.
- Keep your yard maintained to give the house a lived-in appearance. Cut grass, rake leaves, and remove dead branches and debris.
- Install motion-sensitive outside lights to brighten dark areas around doors, windows, and parked vehicles.
- Ensure your fence and gate are in good repair: check for holes and damage that may need repair. Keep your gate locked at all times and ensure the lock works properly. A lock or latch that self closes and can be padlocked when you are away is recommended.
- Install privacy slats in chain link fences.
In your community
To help prevent crime in your neighbourhood, a variation of the Golden Rule applies: look out for your neighbours as you’d like them to look out for you.
- Get to know your neighbours. Become familiar with the routine in your neighbourhood, and keep an eye out for suspicious activity.
- Leave keys and emergency phone numbers with a trusted neighbour.
- If you’re going on vacation, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your home and to pick up newspapers and mail.
- Keep up appearances: a well-tended neighbourhood is less attractive to criminals and vandals.
- Get involved in crime prevention programs.
