The holidays present a time of year where people may be leaving their homes empty for a prolonged period of time. Back during crime prevention month in October, the Canada Safety Council shared a few tips that will come in handy for anyone travelling this Christmas season.
Using timers and lights for your electronics can provide the illusion that somebody is at home at times during the day. Motion activated lights help as well, as should someone approach your home, the motion sensors can quickly make it seem like the homeowner is keeping a watchul eye.
Making sure to maintain your property is another key point. Homeowners can utilize friends, family, and even their neighbours to do things like collect mail and packages. If left out, it could indicate to porch pirates that no-one is home.
Even though it might be tough, save the social media posts till you get home. Sharing where your location could get into the wrong hands, so it's always best to never advertise travel plans online and wait till you get home to share any memories.
Similar to the lights strategy, smart home technology can also be a major help. They allow for the ability to remotely watch your property online or through a mobile device, and sometimes even speak.
According to police-reported crime statistics from the release via Statistics Canada, breaking-and-entering crimes declined by more than 20 per cent between 2017 and 2021, though that number coincides with the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, in which Canadians were encouraged not to leave their homes more than necessary.
The main objective of these tips is to make the home seem occupied, and make it a less juicy target for potential burglars. Not only will these strategies help add peace of mind, but it could help keep your property and the community as a whole safe.
Thu, Apr 25, 9:30 AM
