Keep your property safe before travelling this winter

The Edmonton Police Service wants to remind citizens to protect themselves and their homes before travelling this season.

Vacation is a time for fun and enjoyment. You can make each trip carefree and enjoyable by taking a few simple steps to reduce the chance of burglary and/or vandalism to your home. A vacant house, or one that appears to be unoccupied, is an appealing target for a burglar.

“Don’t be an easy target,” says Sgt. Elli McEvoy, with Southeast Division. “Taking proactive measures is the first step in preventing crime.”

Crime Prevention Tips:

• Ensure door and windows are locked properly.

• Give your house a lived-in appearance. Place automatic timers on several lights, a radio, and a television. Set the timers so that the lights and appliances turn on and off at random times.

• Leave shades and blinds in a position that you would normally leave them.

• Arrange for a trusted neighbour or friend to pick up mail or other items delivered to you while you are away. Consider putting your newspaper delivery on hold.

• Ask someone to shovel snow from your drive way and walk ways.

• Have a neighbour or friend check both inside and outside the house every few days.

• Ask your neighbour to use your driveway and place your garbage cans at the curb while you are away.

• Leave up-to-date emergency contact information for your neighbour or friend.

• Turn the ringer on your telephone to low or off. Do not leave your lights on 24 hours a day.

• Consider taking valuables to a bank safety deposit box.

• Don’t announce your absence on answering machine messages; leave a normal message on the machine.

• Set security alarm (if applicable). Ensure person watching your home has the security alarm code and password.