Homeowners are reminded to lock it or lose it

Nanaimo, Crime Prevention

2025-04-17 09:14 PDT

File # 2025 Homeowners are reminded to lock it or lose it

Longer days not only bring lawns and gardens back to life, it also brings out criminals and late-night prowlers. Through out Nanaimo residents are reporting theft of garden tools, break ins to vehicles, along with bike thefts and prowlers. This is not uncommon and every community will experience this at this time of the year. The best we can do is target harden our homes and property by being alert, reporting suspicious behaviour and incorporating solid crime prevention practices. said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP. Let take a look at a few ways to reduce your chances of being victimized:

Suspicious behaviour

This can constitute someone peering into parked cars, wandering into carports, looking into back yards or windows. Often this behaviour is accompanied by quick furtive looks to the right and left to see if they are being watched. This type of activity should be reported immediately to the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345. Please note that depending on what time of day the activity is happening, officers may or may not be able to respond immediately. Other priority calls must be responded to first before attending to these incidents.

Sensor lights and motion lights

Both can be an effective crime deterrent as they can deter potential intruders by making the home appear less vulnerable. They can also have a high risk of false alarms due to wind, pests, passing cars and motorists alike. The key is to find the effective range and height for both.

Parked vehicles

All unattended vehicles need to be locked and all windows rolled up. It is also imperative that nothing of value be left inside and visible to prying eyes. Cells phones, men's wallets, cell phone chargers, gym bags, foot ware and clothing are some of the most reported items stolen. Place items in the trunk or take it out of the vehicle entirely. Also, why not be a good neighbor and before you retire for the evening, take a look around at the homes adjacent to you. Did you neighbor forget to roll their windows up? A courtesy call would probably be appreciated.

Bikes, tools ladders et al

Thieves will take anything that is not locked up. Lock all bikes up to a permanent structure or take them in side. Secure tools in a shed or take inside and make sure there is a decent lock on the shed door. Anything of value should also be marked with an identifying number.

Side gates

A lock should be placed to prevent easy access. It doesn’t need to be a high end. Any lock will do. It is simply a deterrent and may be enough to deter criminals from going any further.

Doors and windows

When your home is unattended, make sure all doors and windows are locked. Don’t forget about the side door to your garage as criminals often target this for quick access.

Be a good neighbor

Practice what you preach. Make sure you home is buttoned down and secure before suggesting to others what they should do. Lastly, think about starting a Block Watch. It is another layer of protection for you, your family and your neighborhood.

If you have any questions about home security, please do not hesitate to contact the Nanaimo RCMP Community Policing Section at 250-734-5445.

Released by:

Email: gary.obrien@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: nanaimo.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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