**** RCMP Media Release
Holiday property crime prevention tips from Nova Scotia RCMP
The Nova Scotia RCMP is urging the public to take precautions this holiday season to help prevent your home, vehicle, or property from being a target.
During this time of year, with an increase in online shopping, and parcels being left outside homes, consider:
- Scheduling deliveries for times when you expect to be at home;
- Using a secure delivery locker or a nearby pick-up location;
- Redirecting packages to a workplace or a trusted neighbour’s address;
- Requesting a signature for delivery; and
- Installing security cameras to monitor your doorstep remotely and capture footage of potential thefts in action.
Thefts of holiday shopping and gifts from unattended vehicles happen during the holidays. Most thefts from vehicles that are reported to police are from vehicles that were left unlocked. Remember to remove valuables from your vehicle as soon as possible and always lock it.
If you’re planning to be away from your home for an extended time, consider:
- Setting up automatic timers for indoor and outdoor lights and, if you have a security system, ensuring it works and is activated;
- Keeping your vacation plans limited to a few friends and family rather than posting to social media, and planning to share your vacation photos on social media after you’ve returned;
- Talking to a trusted neighbour about plans to be away and ask that they watch or stop by your property periodically;
- Using motion-sensor lights, which can be a deterrent to crime year-round but are especially helpful during the winter’s longer nights; and
- Temporarily stop regular deliveries that might signal no one is home.
Don’t hesitate to call police about suspicious activity in your neighbourhood to help protect yourself and your neighbours from property crime that could make the holidays less merry and bright.
