Grey County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is offering some home security tips. Whether you are going on vacation, or you are just going to be away from home for a short period of time, we all have the potential to be victims of crime. Each of us can reduce the risk of our homes/property being victimized by eliminating the opportunity for criminals to do so.

The following are some home security tips:

When on vacation:

Inform a neighbour of your departure and return dates
Where possible, cancel all deliveries
Arrange to have the walkways cleared, and the lawn cut
Use clock timers to activate lights/radios at various intervals
Have a neighbour pick up newspapers and mail
Store small valuables in a safe deposit box
Ensure all entry points are secured, including mail chutes, milk chutes, garage doors and upstairs windows
Do not leave notes indicating you are not home

Helpful hints:

Keep a record of your valuables
Identify your property by engraving an identifying mark – proper identification makes it easier for police to return personal property.

The identification should be readily visible without marring the appearance of the item
Be a good neighbour and report suspicious activity

If a crime has occurred:

Do not enter, as the criminal may still be inside
Use a cell phone or neighbour's phone to call police
Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence
Note the licence number of any suspicious vehicle and/or the description of any suspicious person(s)
For more information on safeguarding your home, visit: https://www.opp.ca/index.php?id=115&lng=en&entryid=570bf1a58f94ac983906709c

source: Grey County OPP