Central Region OPP is offering tips on crime prevention when closing your cottage. Police say now is the time when most people close their cottage for the winter season. If you haven’t closed your cottage yet, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent theft. The OPP says trim trees and shrubs so that doors and windows are visible from the roadway, secure your windows and doors, close curtains or blinds, and consider using motion sensors on the exterior of your cottage. It’s also a good idea to bring any values with you.
FOR WEB: More tips from the OPP on preventing thefts at your cottage:
- Do not leave firearms or weapons at the cottage.
- Check around your property for objects that could be used to break in your property and eliminate them as options for would be thieves.
- Ensure that contact (key holder) information is made known for alarms, thefts, weather damage. Ask a permanent resident to check in on your property and provide them with your contact information.
- Winterize any vehicles such as boats and all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s), ensure they are covered, locked and the keys are hidden. For motorized snow machines, you can remove the track and hide the keys.
- Get to know your neighbours, know who is a stranger and who belongs there and contact the Police if you see someone who appears suspicious.
- Consider an alarm system and leave your contact information with your alarm company.