On September 30, 2016 Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated four break and enters to cottages and outbuildings located in the 1000 – 1200 block of Haviland Shores Drive and one in the 1200 block of Marlette Drive.
These break-in’s occurred between September 28 – 30, 2016. Cottages were entered by kicking in doors or breaking windows. Once inside suspects caused damage to the interior furniture. An Emerson 42 inch TV and a black and decker cordless drill were stolen from one cottage.
Cottages and summer homes are most vulnerable to thieves and subject to damage or vandalism in the off-season especially if no one living at it or checking it regularly in the fall, winter or spring.
If you own a cottage or other rural seasonal property OPP advise the following:
- Secure your windows and doors.
- Designate a year-round contact or key-holder for: alarms, thefts, weather damage or animal problems
- Close window curtains or blinds.
- Leave no valuables at the cottage (electronics, personal items, tools) unless you’re prepared to lose them. Lock up sporting goods that you decide must stay year-round (fishing rods & equipment, water skis, toys).
- Record the serial numbers of anything of value left behind. Marking your valuables with a drivers’ license # can help deter a thief or aid in property recovery.
- If you are leaving vehicles, make sure they’re winterized, secure and disabled – for snow machines remove track and hide keys; ensure boats are covered and locked; outboard motors locked and slightly disassembled; ATVs disabled – leave nothing on trailers unless it is locked or disabled.
- Remove all food, and anything that may attract animals. Pack up and take home all alcohol.
- Don’t leave firearms or weapons at the cottage.
Any person with information regarding the person(s) responsible for these crimes should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or their nearest police authority.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online at www.tipsubmit.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
