RNC issues summer home safety tips

St. John’s — The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) has issued a summer-safety advisory to homeowners in the province.

A news release notes that, historically, the months of June, July and August have the highest reported incidents of residential break-and-enters in the RNC jurisdiction.

Tips that can help protect properties while homeowners are away on vacation, and make the difference between perpetrators considering your home to be an easy or difficult target, include:

Give your home the appearance of being occupied, by having lights on timers and leaving the radio on. Arrange for a neighbour to check on your home and periodically mow your lawn, move any vehicles left at home and check the mail.

Never post on your Facebook profile when you will be away from your home.

Lock all doors and windows and secure any garage or shed on the property. If you have an alarm system, set the alarm and ensure that the key holder will be available to respond to the property if the alarm activates.

Ensure ladders, garden and work tools are removed from the property. These items are resources for criminals and could potentially be used to break into your home.

If you are planning a road trip and have a garage, load luggage into the car inside your garage, as to not alert people you’ll be away.

Never hide keys outside, whether in a bush or in a flower pot. It is recommended to leave a key with a trusted neighbour.

If you can’t put your valuable and irreplaceable items in a safe or a safety deposit box, remove them from plain view and hide them somewhere safe.

Report all suspicious activity in your community to the RNC.