Break in Prevention Tips

Breaking and Entering is a Crime!

This crime is all too prevalent in the Parry Sound District.

The focus of the Parry Sound Detachment is to reduce the occurrence of Break and Enters within the Townships of West Parry Sound, along with the Town of Parry Sound.

Ø This pamphlet is part of an initiative to assist with the detection of Break and Entering of property. Please take a moment to read its contents.

Ø Together we hope to make an impact on a crime which affects both seasonal and full-time residents

Ø Break and Enter

For both seasonal and full-time residents located in the West Parry Sound District, the term Break and Enter is far too common. In this area, Break and Enters are a fact of life as the majority of the residences and cottages have been purchased in this area because it provides an element of privacy. This element of privacy can be a wonderful feature; however, these residences and cottages become vulnerable targets for crime.

Each year, members of the West Parry Sound Detachment are involved in numerous investigations. They have established a proven track record for success in the apprehension of offenders. We realize success is dependant upon the ears and eyes of the community in remote locations.

Another problem the Police face is determining ownership of recovered property. When an offender is caught with stolen property and the property cannot be positively identified, charges cannot be laid. We must have a victim to prove a crime.

Additionally, property that cannot be identified cannot be placed on CPIC, making it difficult to prove it is even stolen.

Community Involvement in the Detection, Prevention and Conviction of Offenders

Detection:

Ø Keep your eyes and ears open for suspicious vehicles and persons in the area of your residence. Do not confront possible suspects.

Ø Record the licence numbers and descriptions of suspicious vehicles.

Ø Record detailed descriptions of occupants of suspicious vehicles.

Ø Organize residents in your area for Cottage Watch programs and seek the assistance of the Police for implementation.

Ø Report your concerns immediately to the Ontario Provincial Police Communications Centre at phone number 1-888-310-1122. Provide your municipal address and fire route number.

Ø Make would be thieves visible

Ø Don't hide keys in secret places. Instead leave a duplicate with a friend or neighbour.

Prevention:

Ø Borrow an engraver from your local Ontario Provincial Police Detachment to engrave your valuable belongings. This may discourage theft of valuables and will provide a way to easily identify stolen property.

Ø Use a personal identification mark such as your driver's licence number when engraving your property.

Ø For deterrent purposes, the identification mark should be easily identifiable.

Ø Record the contents of your home or cottage on paper or using a video camera.

Ø Record the serial numbers of your property.

Ø Remove expensive articles from the cottage when away for extended periods of time.

Ø Don't leave articles out, such as axes and tools, that could be used to assist in breaking into your residence.

Ø Establish relationships with neighbours and check on each other's property when away.

Ø Lock everything, Install deadbolts

Ø Invest in a burglar alarm. The most effective ones notify an outside service.

Ø If away make certain your home looks occupied. Shoveled walkways, mail collected, grass cut & timers for lights all help

Conviction:

Ø Upon discovery of a break-in, contact the Police and do not enter, as evidence may be disturbed.

ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE

WEST PARRY SOUND DETACHMENT

7 Bay Street

PARRY SOUND, Ontario

P2A 1S4