Thieves In Howick Leave Empty Handed After Alarm System Is Activated

(HOWICK, ON) – An alarm system paid dividends this morning after a break, enter and attempted theft was interrupted and the thieves left empty handed.

At approximately 1:14 a.m. Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were notified by an alarm company of a kitchen motion alarm that had been tripped at a residence located on Howick-Turnberry Road in Howick Township.

Police attended the seasonal residence and observed fresh vehicle tracks leading up to the residence in the driveway. Officers also observed footprints in the snow around the various outbuildings on the property. Police discovered the culprits had pried a rear window and climbed into the kitchen. Upon entering the residence an audible motion alarm was triggered and the culprits immediately left the residence.

The residence and outbuildings were later checked over and it was determined no property was stolen.

This additional security measure paid dividends for this property owner. Huron County OPP is offering the following proven Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) tips to help property owners protect their property. Research indicates the decision to commit a crime is often tied to the perceived risk of being caught. Criminals will look for the easy target. Are you doing enough to secure your property?

TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY

Secure your vehicle & remove your valuables from your vehicle at all times.

Target-harden your home, garage and sheds by locking your doors with a quality lock set. For added security, consider installing a dead bolt locking system.

Motion activated lighting will deter a potential thief and help alert possible witnesses.

Be careful from obscuring sightlines from windows and doors with too much landscaping. Excessive landscaping can give a criminal the opportunity to move about your property without being noticed.

Photograph your valuables, record the serial number and consider engraving a unique identifier. Positively identifying your property will help police hold a thief accountable.

Make sure your home always looks lived in (e.g. newspapers/flyers picked up, snow shovelled, timed lighting systems etc.)

Get to know your neighbours and encourage them to keep an eye out for suspicious activity around your property.

If you have a security system, use it. Ensure that your contact list is current and up to date.

Be a good neighbour and remember if you see something suspicious immediately report it to police.

Anyone interested in more crime prevention tips is encouraged to visit http://www.opp.ca and a Home Security Audit Guide can be found under the What We Do/Community Issues/Safe Guard Ontario tab.

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