Spring is here, and once again the Regina Police Service is asking Regina residents to take a critical look at their homes, properties and personal safety practices with the goal of preventing crime in our neighborhoods.
While working in the yard and spring-cleaning, Regina residents are reminded to ensure their doors are locked. This includes garage doors. Often with garage doors, both vehicle and “man” entry doors are unlocked, or are left unsecured because the door is in poor condition. Open or unlocked doors mean your bikes, vehicles, tools and other possessions are easily accessible to thieves. When that theft includes vehicle keys, or garage door openers, this can lead to future thefts or even a home invasion.
Even when you are in your residence, it is a good idea to lock your doors behind you. Too many of us leave valuables like purses, wallets and car keys within easy reach, just inside the front door. Locking your doors prevents a thief from stepping inside long enough to grab your purse and disappear.
Basement windows can be a common point of entry for a break & enter. Basement windows at the rear or side of a house may be partially obscured by plants, steps or decks, giving “cover” to a criminal. Invest in good locks which meet the appropriate codes to allow emergency exit. When warmer weather arrives, some residents may leave windows or doors open in order to cool the house. Recognize that these may also be common points of entry for would-be thieves. Don’t leave your house open while you are away and take steps to minimize your vulnerability while you are at home. Store bicycles, sports equipment, and tools behind securely locked doors at the end of the day. Try to view your own house and property the way a thief might see it; identify vulnerabilities and take steps to make things more secure.
As always, take the time to remove valuables from view inside your vehicle. Take the keys and lock the doors. Recent crime trends show a surprising number of thefts of wallets and purses from vehicles. Thieves use stolen i-d and credit/debit cards to commit more crimes like theft using the “TAP” function, frauds, and identity theft.
Helping Regina residents live in safety is a priority for the Regina Police Service. Every one of us has a role to play in neighborhood and community safety. Take crime prevention seriously by safeguarding your property and employing good personal safety strategies. Always report any activity that seems suspicious. Anyone who sees a crime in progress should call 9-1-1. Anyone who has information that could assist police is asked to contact the Regina Police Service at 777-6500 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
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