Seasonal residents urged to check their cottage properties

(HURON COUNTY, ON) - The Huron County OPP detachment is reminding seasonal residents to properly secure and check on their vacation homes as frequently as possible to help reduce the number of break-ins and thefts. 

Monday, Feb. 20, Huron OPP officers responded to three separate break, enter and theft occurrences in Port Albert. In all three cases, the thief forced entry into the cottages through an exterior window. In two of the cases, the thief used ladders that were conveniently left behind on the property to assist in gaining access into the cottages. 

At this point, it appears as though property was stolen from only one of the cottages. A flat screen television, a Blu-ray player and a Bose iPod docking station were stolen from a Victoria Beach Road cottage.

The Huron OPP advises all vacation property owners to ensure that all valuables and alcohol are removed from the premises. Small appliances, electronics and alcohol are often targeted by thieves as these items are easy to steal and equally easy to sell.

Additionally, a simple way to protect your property is to MARK IT. Engraving valuables with an identifier is simple and deters criminals from stealing them. Property that is easily identified is less likely to be stolen due to the permanent engraving that makes it difficult for the criminal to sell.

Using an electric engraver, scratch-all, or a ball point pen, will permanently mark your property. Engraving your vehicle licence plate number on your valuables is an easy way to quickly identify your property. By using your licence plate number, police are also able to trace your property. Every year, thousands of dollars of recovered valuables are sold at police auctions because it cannot be identified and returned to the rightful owner.

Police encourage property owners to have someone check their cottages daily during the "off-season" to ensure everything is secure. The OPP also encourages anyone who sees anything suspicious in the area to report it to police immediately. 

Remember, Crime Prevention Starts With You! The Huron OPP urges everyone to think proactively and to do what you can to remove the opportunities for crime to occur.

Any person with information regarding these crimes or any others, should immediately contact the Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or 519-524-8314. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.