Only a few days into the month of November police across the province were already reporting holiday-related crimes, specifically gifts being stolen from cars and packages taken from doorsteps.
You know its that time of year! Police have received their first "I left wrapped Christmas gifts in my car and now thieves have broken in and stolen them" complaint. Remember, Out of Sight is Out of Mind - for a thief!
B次元官网网址� North Vancouver RCMP (@nvanrcmp)
Richard Worth, from Security and Cellular Plus, said there are a few things all residents can do during the holidays to keep their homes and businesses safe.
He noted it can be as simple as making sure all windows and doors are locked and that a proper deadbolt is being used. B次元官网网址淭hose little things, like having well-lit areas keep properties more secure,B次元官网网址� he explained, adding motion-sensor lights are a great option for exterior lighting. B次元官网网址淛ust do things to protect yourself, even if you donB次元官网网址檛 have an alarm system.B次元官网网址�
Often, he said, criminals will analyze someoneB次元官网网址檚 home or activities before breaking in. Having gifts or big ticket items visible to someone standing on the street just puts your home on display.
B次元官网网址淸But] a security systems is a good deterrent,B次元官网网址� he said, adding there are lots of different options to fit different needs.
Worth explained systems can be as simple as a couple of cameras to contacts on doors and windows that register when theyB次元官网网址檝e been opened. But the most popular option of late has been combining camera systems with alarms to provide more complete coverage.
It can all link to an app on your phone that allows the owner to control door locks when theyB次元官网网址檙e not home or check to make sure doors have been locked once theyB次元官网网址檝e left. Different users can be assigned a pin, such as a dog walker or contractor, and the system logs exactly when that pin has been used so you can track who is coming and going.
A popular newer feature is the doorbell camera that is often motion activated and allows you to see who is at your door, or who has been there, without opening it. Some even have two-way voice causalities that allow you to have a conversation without having to open the door.
A lot of this technology can also be utilized for businesses and Worth said more and more people are opting for apps that can allow them to check their business without being there. He added itB次元官网网址檚 great for when alarms go off or if you canB次元官网网址檛 remember whether youB次元官网网址檝e locked the door properly. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 just that little peace of mind,B次元官网网址� he said.
West Shore RCMP Const. Matthew Baker, said locally most of these holiday-related thefts are crimes of opportunity. He noted often a thief will go through a neighbourhood checking for unlocked vehicles, skipping those that are locked.
B次元官网网址淭heyB次元官网网址檒l go for the easiest crime they can get B次元官网网址� Just remove the temptation,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淒onB次元官网网址檛 leave anything valuable in plain sight.B次元官网网址� And that goes for items that may look valuable, such as an empty purse or name brand sunglass case, or even loose change. Baker added itB次元官网网址檚 a good practice to get into now that should be used all year-round. B次元官网网址淚t only takes five seconds to break in.B次元官网网址�
When looking at the statistics to see if there are any increases in thefts from vehicles and home or business break and enters on the West Shore, Baker said B次元官网网址渢he numbers actually hold steady during the year.B次元官网网址�
He noted one factor that could be limiting an increase in these crimes is the fact that residents are more aware of the potential for crime and are taking extra precautions. But, he added, these precautions shouldnB次元官网网址檛 just be utilized during the holidays.
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