Break & Enter

Monday, 12 January 2015 12:44

Homeowner return from short vacation to find a number of items, including a pickup truck stolen from their house.

WOODSTOCK - It's an unfortunate reminder of the importance of taking a few precautionary measures before leaving for vacation.

Woodstock Police responded to a break and enter at a Lyndale Crescent residence Saturday night when the homeowner arrived home from a vacation to find their backdoor had been forced open and every room was rummaged through.

Police say the thieves made off with a number of items including a big screen TV, stereo, jewellery and 2005 silver GMC Canyon pickup truck.

The homeowners say they left Thursday, January 8th and returned home in the evening of January 10th.

Police encourage residents to take a few precautions to protect your home before leaving for vacation:

If you have a sliding window or door, put a piece of wood or a long metal rod on the track so that it can't be pushed open.
Set timers on lights outside of your house. The darker it is outside your house, the more appealing it is going to be for burglars because they cannot be seen. Also, timers help give the impression that someone is home.
Make sure that your newspapers and mail are picked up or put on hold. If papers and mail are piled up outside your house, it is obvious that someone has not been home for a while.
Leave some blinds or drapes open. If your house is completely closed off, it is going to look like no one is there. If you make it appear more normal, it is less obvious that you are away.
Arrange to have a trusted family member, neighbour or friend to check on your home. Even if it means having them going into the house to water the plants, they can take a peek around to make sure that everything is okay.
Going on a vacation is an excellent reminder to ensure you have an updated inventory of household goods which may include appliances, jewellery, firearms, and other valued items.
If you have any cash, jewellery, or any other valuables in your home, take them out and put them in a safety deposit box. It costs money for this service, but it is far better than if someone were to break into your home and find your valuables.
If you are a firearms owner, please ensure you secure and store all firearms in accordance with the Firearms Act and Regulations.
Set timers on electronics inside your house. Put one on a lamp or even a radio. If someone is watching your home and sees that there is no activity going on inside your house, it is a clear indicator that you are not home.
Make sure that your home security system is on. Don't forget to tell your friend or family member the code so that they do not set off the alarm when they check on your home.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call WPS at 519-537-2323 or Crime Stoppers at 519-421-TIPS (8477), 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).