Thieves and vandals realize that chalets, cottages and hunting cabins usually see only seasonal use. A vacant building is an easy target for these opportunists.
Protecting your possessions (often expensive sports equipment, firearms, electronics and items of sentimental value) can present a challenge, especially in remote and heavily treed areas where criminals have little chance of being spotted. However, much can be done to hamper even the most determined crook.
Join or form a neighbourhood association
One of the best ways to foil troublemakers is to enlist the support of neighbours. Your neighbours can notify police whenever they spot suspicious activity around your property and you can return the favour when they are away. Many recreational areas have neighbourhood associations that work with police to help reduce crime.
They can’t steal what isn’t there
Remove your most valued possessions whenever you plan to be away for an extended period of time. Although, this isn’t practical for larger items, firearms, small electronics, smaller outboard motors, ski and golf equipment and other costly belongings can be transported to your home without much hassle. Ensure drapes or blinds are drawn to obscure any valuables left behind.
Lock it up
Make accessing your property as difficult as possible by blocking the access road or driveway with a sturdy, locking gate. Ensure your vacation home has ample, heavy-duty locks on all potential entry points. This includes windows and sliding patio-doors (a wood or steel dowel placed in the track will hinder the sliding motion). Use deadbolt locks on doors for maximum protection. If expensive recreational equipment such as snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles and boats are left behind, be sure to disable the engines and lock the vehicle to something larger and heavier.
Alarming noises
Burglars dislike noise: it attracts attention. Audible alarms are recommended over silent alarms and reliable alarms should include:
- A battery-powered fail-safe back-up
- A rearming capability and siren timer shut-off
- Read-out ability to check that the system works
- A siren sounding device that can be installed on the exterior of the home to alert neighbours of possible intrusion.
Some modern alarms will alert a dispatcher at a central office of a potential threat to your property. The dispatcher can then, in turn, alert police once he has established that it is not a false alarm. This type of alarm is usually offered on a monthly or annually subscription basis.
Decals (included with most alarm systems) that advise would-be burglars of an alarm system on the premises should be placed in highly visible spots on windows and doors.
Leave your mark
A little forethought goes a long way. Use an engraver to permanently identify your possessions with your name and telephone number and keep a property-wide inventory complete with serial numbers. If the unthinkable happens and your recreational property is burglarized you will have some proof of ownership should any of the goods be recovered by police.
|
|
