With the cold weather, some of us will take this time to flee to warmer climates on vacation. When leaving for extended periods of time, your home may become a target for thieves if they become aware that you are away and all of your valuables are lying around unattended. The following are some of the steps you can take to protect your property.

Ensure your home is secure:

• Ensure all of your doors are locked, including locks coming into the home from an attached garage.
• Secure large garage doors to ensure they cannot be forced open or remotely accessed.
• Secure all of your windows on all levels of your home. For added security, place a rod or piece of doweling in the tracks of the windows to ensure they cannot be opened easily.
• Lock gates to the back yard.
• Do not leave keys hidden around your home. If you need to leave a key with someone, leave it with a trusted neighbour.
• Make sure your security system is armed and contact the company with updated instructions on what to do if your alarm goes off while you are away.
• Tell a trusted neighbour, or your area’s Neighborhood Watch membership that you will be away.

Do not let people window shop:

• If it is possible, remove some of your valuables from your home. If not, make sure things such as televisions and other electronics are not visible from outside of the home.
• Remove clutter from the back yard, sheds, patios etc.
• Make sure all tools are put away and not visible.
• Close window coverings.

Make your home appear lived in:

• Have a neighbour or friend shovel your sidewalks.
• Set interior lights on timers.
• Have exterior lights that are activated by motion sensors.
• Cancel deliveries or have a neighbour collect them for you.
• Have a neighbour park their vehicle in your driveway.
• Forward calls to your cell phone or have your voicemail take the call after a few rings. A continuously ringing phone will tip people off that you are not home.
• Arrange to have a house sitter for some of the days that you are away.

If you are lucky enough to escape the cold weather, enjoy your vacation. If you are like the rest of us who are stuck here toughing out the cold, make sure you keep an eye out for your neighbours as you are the best form of defense. Make note of suspicious people or vehicles in the area. If something does not seem right speak to your neighbours about it and contact the Police to make sure they are aware of what is going on. Have a great winter and stay warm.