It happened again 🙁 For the second time in less than a year we have been victimized by crime. Earlier this year our car was broken into and had everything taken from it. We reported it to the police and some good Samaritan did return our ownership & insurance that he found at his work. We moved out of that area as it was known as a “bad area”. Our new neighbourhood is quite and filled with families and older folks. It was suppose to be safe. And now again, last night our truck was rummaged through and had all of the change taken out of it and a big mess made. They went in our garage too which means they came right in our back yard. But at least this time they left the valuables :S Lucky for us – all of our fishing gear was in the truck and left untouched!
I hate feeling so helpless and vulnerable. I mean our truck is parked only 10 feet from our door and they were in our backyard! The “what-ifs” start flying and it is no fun. We contacted our local Police department to report it but there isn’t really much they can do. I decided to do a little research to find out how safe we really are. What I found out doesn’t really make me feel better…
Reported Violent vs Non-Violent Crime
There were almost 1.7 million non-violent offences reported to Police in 2012. Mischief, Break-ins & Theft under $5000 account for nearly 2/3 of those crimes!
Reported Motor Vehicles Stolen in 2010
Crime Severity Index in Canada
Self-Reported Feelings of Safety by Canadian Men & Women
Credit to Statistics Canada
Only 31% Of Persons Victimized By Crime Report It To The Police
Now please know – None of this is meant to scare anyone. I just simply believe it is so important that we are all educated and aware of crimes in our neighbourhoods. Here are a few tips for keeping yourself and your belongings safe.
1. Ensure you have adequate insurance – yes, renters too! In the worst case scenario having insurance on your belongings will help recover what is stolen.
2. Mark your belongings. If your things are clearly identified as YOURS they will be less tempting to steal. Use a marker, a pen, an engraver what ever you need to mark your things.
3. Have a motion sensor light at every entrance to your home or garage. Also have lights in the dark areas of your property. These lights can quickly deter a would-be thief.
4. Deadbolts are better than door locks – every time.
5. Keep trees and hedges trimmed so they cannot be used as cover for potential thieves.
6. Be observant. Knowing what’s happening around you at all times and what may look out of place can help you spot a potential crime.
7. Think Like a Thief. Look around your house as if you were thinking of robbing it. What can you see? If you can see it, so can a criminal. Keep valuables well out of sight of windows and doors.
8. Start a Neighbourhood Watch. This doesn’t mean have meetings every week and take shifts patrolling but more likely just make each other aware of what is happening. Talk to your neighbours, get to know them and watch out for one another. If you see suspicious, activity call the police – don’t take matters into your own hands.
Stay Safe Out There SaveaLoonians!
Sources
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/110721/dq110721b-eng.htm
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2011001/article/11577-eng.htm
http://macdonaldlaurier.ca/files/pdf/MLI-Crime_Statistics_Review-Web.pdf
