FROM/DE: County of Wellington OPP DATE: 8 February 2010
Break and Enter Prevention Tips
Breaking and Entering is a Crime!
The County of Wellington OPP would like to remind property owners of some crime prevention tips to help reduce the incidents of break-ins to your home or cottage. Together we can make an impact on a crime which affects both seasonal and full-time residents throughout the County of Wellington.
Break and Enter
For both seasonal and full-time residents located in the County of Wellington , the incidents of Break and Enter are of concern. Being an owner of a residence or cottage in the County of Wellington , you sometime prefer an element of privacy. This element of privacy can be a wonderful feature; however it may make your residence and cottage more vulnerable to crime.
Each year, the County of Wellington OPP Street Crime Unit officers are involved in numerous crime investigations. They have established a successful track record for the apprehension of offenders. We realize success is dependant upon the ears and eyes of the community in the more remote locations.
Another problem that police face, is determining ownership of recovered stolen property. When an offender is caught with stolen property and the property cannot be positively identified, charges cannot be laid. We must have a victim to prove a crime. Property that cannot be identified cannot be placed on the police computer system, adding to the difficulty for officers to prove the theft.
Community Involvement is needed in the Detection and Prevention
Detection:
Keep your eyes and ears open for suspicious vehicles and persons in the area of your residence. Be seen but don’t confront possible suspects.
Record the license numbers and descriptions of suspicious vehicles.
Record detailed descriptions of occupants of suspicious vehicles, and contact your local police agency to report these observations. The smallest thing could provide police with that needed piece of the puzzle, they are looking for.
Report your concerns immediately to the Ontario Provincial Police Communications Centre at phone number 1-888-310-1122. Provide your municipal address and fire route number.
Make would be thieves visible by removing large bushes around your home entrances.
Don't hide keys in secret places. Instead leave a duplicate with a friend or neighbour.
Prevention:
Mark your valuables. This may discourage theft of valuables and will provide a way to easily identify stolen property.
For deterrent purposes, the identification mark should be easily identifiable.
Record the contents of your home or cottage on paper or using a video camera.
Record the serial numbers of your property.
Remove expensive articles from your cottage when away for extended periods
Don't leave articles out, such as axes and tools, that could be used to assist thieves in breaking into your home or cottage
Maintain a positive relationship with neighbours and check on each other's property when away.
Lock everything, Install deadbolts
Invest in a burglar alarm. The most effective ones are monitored by an outside service.
If away make certain your home looks occupied. Shoveled walkways, mail collected, grass cut & timers for lights all help
Your information may be the last important piece of the puzzle that police need. Please report any and all suspicious activity in your area to your local police.