RCMP offering crime prevention tips this holiday season

Mounties encourage you to stow shopping bags in the trunk of your vehicle or out of sight to discourage smash and grab thefts, never leave cash, electronics, garage door openers or valuables in plain sight in your vehicle and stay alert to your surroundings, including being aware of the people around you. Look around your vehicle as you approach it.

Police say to always lock your vehicle and close the windows, even if you’re only gone for a few minutes and never leave vehicles unlocked and running or hide spare keys inside your vehicle.

To protect your mail, arrange to have packages delivered to a trusted neighbour if you won’t be home to receive them and check your mail daily as theft of mail is said to increase over the holidays as thieves look for cards with cash or gift cards inside.

To protect your home, RCMP say to avoid displaying gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway and break down large packaging and dispose of it discreetly so not to advertise to thieves you’re the proud owner of new electronics or other tempting items.

Always lock your home’s doors and windows, even if you’re only gone for a few minutes is also recommended.

If you’re travelling this holiday season, Mounties suggest you stop newspaper and mail deliveries and have someone shovel your sidewalks while you’re away.

Give a spare key to a trusted friend or neighbour and let them know how to reach you while you’re away.

Other tips include telling a trusted neighbour you’re going to be away and ask them to call police immediately if they see suspicious activity on your property.

It is also recommended you place lights on timers and set them to turn off and on at different times.

Finally, invite a neighbour to park in your driveway or have a friend move your vehicle around if you left it at home.

by JPBG news staff

RCMP offering crime prevention tips this holiday season

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