With fall upon us, many cottage owners are shutting down their properties for the season and the RCMP are offering some tips on how to secure them.
Every year, the RCMP responds to multiple reports of break and enters at cottages and cabins during the winter months.
In a release sent out this week, the RCMP listed the following suggestions to secure your property :
- Remove all valuables from your cottage (including firearms)
- Lock / secure all doors and windows
- Ensure all windows are covered by closing curtains or blinds
- Ensure all outbuildings (e.g., garage or shed) are secured. Remove valuables
- Don’t leave tools and items outside that could be used to break into your cottage. This includes ladders
- Ensure that your cottage is visited on a regular basis. Consider using a trail camera
- Ensure your property is well lit, with motion sensors and timers on lights
- Install an alarm system with a local contact person if you don’t live nearby
Another suggestion they offered was collaborating with neighbours to set up a “cottage watch”, the idea being that you take turns monitoring the area and reporting any suspicious behaviour you may see.
Cottage break-ins are considered a crime of opportunity as burglars take advantage of the unpopulated areas where they are less likely to be detected.
