As more people start traveling, Richmond RCMP have tips on how to keep your home secure this holiday season

Richmond

2021-12-10 06:50 PST

Richmond RCMP want to remind the public of steps that can be taken to help prevent your home from being a target for thieves.

Between 2019 and 2020 Richmond RCMP saw a 17 percent drop in residential break and enters, a portion of which can likely be attributed to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

With less restrictions and travel on the rise, Richmond RCMP want to remind the public of proactive measures one can take to help prevent your home from being targeted.

Anything we can do to prevent a crime from occurring is a win for public safety which is why providing these tips is important. In addition to education, my team reviews all of the break and enters to identify trends or matching modus operandi, says Sergeant Simon Lee, NCO in-charge of Richmond RCMP Targeted Enforcement Units, This information is very important as we can focus on areas being targeted which can potentially lead to swifter identification of those committing the offence. That’s why it’s so important for people to report a break and enter as soon as possible.

Tips to help keep your home secure include:

• Close and lock all windows each time you leave your home;
• If you have an alarm, ensure to set it before you leave home;
• Do not keep ladders or tools on the outside of your home. If it can be used to gain entry into your home keep it locked up and out of sight;
• While on vacation arrange for someone to shovel/mow the lawn and park in your driveway. It’s ideal to have someone you trust, housesit for you so your home is still lived in while you are away. If this is not possible make sure your home looks lived in;
• Use timers on indoor lights and tamper-proof, motion sensor lights around the perimeter of your home. Lighting is the most effective crime prevention tool since criminals do not want to be seen.

For more tips on home security, visit the BC RCMP website.

Anyone who has been the victim of a break and enter, or attempted break and enter, should report it to the police of jurisdiction. Whether entry was gained or not, reporting it allows police to investigate in an attempt to identify the individual(s) involved. It also allows police to determine modus operandi and potential crime trends.

Released by

Cpl. Adriana O'Malley

Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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