This year, there have been a number of high-profile break-ins at local commercial businesses over the last several months, from Foodland in February and most recently at Millbrook Valley Chocolates.
There is limited cash on the premises of most businesses these days, so the burglars helped themselves to cigarettes and chocolates to top up their haul. In the first three months of the year, Peterborough Police Services have investigated eleven car thefts, one theft from inside a car, five residential break-ins and three mischief complaints in Cavan Monaghan. Cash and jewellery were stolen from the homes, but as victims know too well, it’s not so much the loss as the damage done to the premises in the process and the feeling of violation that hurts the most.
There are many things property owners can do to reduce the risk of becoming the next target. A walk around the perimeter with an eye to security can help identify points of vulnerability that make a property an attractive target.
Points of entry should be secure. Doors should feature deadbolt locks, non-removable hinge pins and door screws that are at least 2.5 inches long. Sliding windows and doors that can be lifted off their tracks can be blocked by screws or a blocking device at the top of the track, and/or a piece of wood such as a dowel in the bottom of track to prevent them from being opened. Spare keys should be left with a trusted neighbour instead of hidden outside. Keeping your garage securely locked prevents would-be thieves from using your own equipment to gain access to your property.
The most helpful device is a security camera, which can deter break-ins and is the best tool to identify perpetrators of crime. Security experts recommend avoiding putting your name on your gate, a sign or a mailbox as this identification helps thieves contact you with a false pretense to gain access to your home.
When headed of on vacation, only share your plans with trusted friends and neighbours who can keep an eye on your property during your absence. Have your driveway cleared of snow or your grass cut and perhaps have a neighbour park in your driveway.
In the unfortunate event that you arrive home to find evidence of a burglary, do not enter the building. Call 911 using cell or neighbour’s phone and don’t touch anything until the police have inspected the premises.
The police encourage the public to report suspicious activities to their non-emergency line, 705-876-1122. This might include a vehicle that appears to be casing the neighbourhood, furniture being removed from a home when owners are not present, an abandoned car, unusual pet behaviour such as dogs barking when they are normally quiet or a salesperson going door-to-door without proper identification.
Last November, Peterborough Police Services introduced a year-long pilot program called Community FIRST. This unit consists of a four frontline officers dedicated to address and investigate property crimes in the communities they serve. These officers wear high visibility clothing and are deployed in pairs and conduct investigations related to thefts, mischief, and stolen property. The initiative is in response to community feedback about the frustration of property crime calls receiving lower priority than other more time-sensitive calls for support.
Owners of the chocolate shop remain positive about the community despite this recent experience. They say it could have been worse. The front door was the only item damaged in the theft, and they lost seven trays of chocolates, a jar of jujubes and a small amount of petty cash. A neighbour in the apartment above the shop notified the owners at 5:30 am, and before opening hours, the front door was repaired by an anonymous Good Samaritan.
Offering support to victims of property crime after the fact is heartwarming, but preventing these incidents is far better. Take a good look at your own property and implement your own security precautions and keep an eye on your neighbourhood and report any suspicious activities before they become content for the next police incident report. KG