Cottages and summer homes are most vulnerable to thieves from just after Thanksgiving to just prior to Victoria Day, especially if they are not used in the fall, winter or spring. Break, enter and theft from seasonal properties is not a new crime and can be prevented with some crime reduction efforts. Here are some tips to consider:
Pack up all food and alcohol.
Don’t leave firearms or weapons at the cottage.
If you are leaving vehicles, make sure they’re winterized, secure and disabled. For snow machines remove the track and hide the keys; make sure boats are covered and locked; outboard motors locked and slightly disassembled; and ATVs disabled. Leave nothing on trailers unless it is locked or disabled.
Leave no valuables at cottage, such as electronics, personal items, tools etc., unless you are prepared to lose them.
Do you have a contact (key holder) for: alarms, thefts, weather damage or animal problems? Do you have their contact information numbers?  Are they paid to check your cottage regularly or are they friends/neighbours. Your insurance company may give you a deduction if you have one.
Secure your windows and doors. Close window curtains or blinds and put up shutters to protect interior from marauders, both animals and human.
Record serial numbers of anything of value left behind.
Sporting goods, like fishing rods and equipment, water skis, toys etc., if they’re not secured, locked up, hidden or both don’t expect them to be there next spring.
Make a list of where everything is and make copies. Store one copy on your home computer and put a copy with property that will go back up to the cottage on the first or next trip. Take pictures.
Know which police force patrols your cottage area, and the phone number.
