St. Thomas, ON – Tuesday November 7th 2023
No one chooses to be a victim of crime, but when crime happens, it can have a profound effect on individuals, their families, and our community. Break and enters are the most common crime and concern for citizens of St. Thomas, often leaving the victim feeling violated. This week, we are taking the opportunity to share some helpful tips for our community to utilize in protecting themselves from property crime.
Residential Properties
- Make sure your home looks occupied at all times
- Lock all doors and windows
- Lock your shed and garage doors
- Do not advertise on social media when and where you are going on vacation.
- Let your trusted neighbours know that you are going to be away
- Keep valuables such as jewelry in a safety deposit box or in a secured safe in your home
- Invest in an alarm and or video surveillance system
- Use exterior lighting to illuminate your property
- Be a good neighbor. If you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call 9-1-1 immediately
Commercial Properties
- Invest in an alarm and or video surveillance system and ensure that the alarm company is instructed to contact the St. Thomas Police first, when they receive an alarm notification
- Illuminate the exterior of your property as much as possible
- Keep the premises visible from the street; avoid blocking the interior view with high displays, sign or advertisements on the windows
- Use deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. Those doors with glass should have double cylinder deadbolts
- Try to keep valuables away from the front of the business to deter would be thieves from taking the product and making a quick exit
- Make sure you check all doors and windows each day, before leaving
- Empty your cash drawers and leave them open after hours
- Report any suspicious activity you observe around your business or neighbouring properties
If you do fall victim to a break and enter, do not enter the premises and call police. Do not touch or clean up anything until the police have arrived and inspected the scene for evidence. Breaking and entering can be a lucrative opportunity for criminals. Consequently, any home or business is at risk. Property owners can reduce this risk by improving the physical security of their premises and taking steps to make their property less vulnerable to criminals. Crime prevention involves all of us working together to make our homes, neighbourhoods, and workplaces healthy and safe.
#CPWeek23
