ARE YOU RELYING ON OTHERS TO REPORT CRIMES IN YOUR COMMUNITY?
One of the biggest problems in a condo, apartment or town home community is that people think others are reporting crimes. There is a presumption that reporting of a crime has been done by a neighbour, building staff or property manager. Other times a crime goes unreported because people believe nothing will or can be done or perhaps due to a fear that insurance premiums may increase. Unfortunately this contradicts the expectations of the police who count on residents to be their eyes and ears. As a result, a majority of crimes go unreported which prevent police from being aware of and addressing crimes causing repeat offences.
Statistically, condos are less vulnerable to break-ins than other forms of housing. However most of all break and enters are preventable. Active participation is is always necessary to maintain security.
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS RECOMMENDED BY POLICE:
- Do not allow trespassers to follow you through doorways
- Do not circumvent security by preventing doors from locking. Avoid placing door stops, stones or twigs in the door’s pathway to defeat an auto locking mechanism
- Take pictures or video of valuables so they can be used as proof in the event of theft
- Periodically change the location of stored valuables
- Do not leave valuables visible to view in a vehicle
- Use a chain to secure motorcycles and bicycles
- Report ALL crimes to police
- Take down license plate numbers of vehicles where the occupants are suspicious to you. You can forward the information if an occurrence is reported to police officers
