• Take valuable items home. If this is not possible place them out of view or lock them in a secure room or cabinet. If valuables are not visible through a window, they are less likely to be taken.
• Do not leave alcohol in your cottage. In many incidents where a cottage is broken into, liquor is the most common items taken. If you decide to leave it at the cottage, store it out of sight.
• Make sure that all doors and windows are locked and secured when you leave.  Installing theft prevention devices on your sliding patio doors and windows, even a stick will secure them.
• Close all your curtains and blinds or use a blanket or sheet so that thieves cannot see inside your cottage. If they can’t see in, they may not try to get inside.
• Install quality locks on your doors. A dead bolt is a better idea. You can also strengthen your doors and striker plates by installing longer screws. When locking up outbuildings, install quality tamper resistant locks and hasps.
• Do not leave boats, ATV’s or other vehicles out in the open and unsecured. Lock them up in a garage and remove the keys. If you must leave them outside, lock them to a tree or some permanent structure. Drain the fuel tanks and take used fuel home. Do not leave gas cans as it may be used to steal your ATV or sled. It also reduces the risk of a fire on your property.
• Tell your neighbours when you are closing up for the winter. Permanent residents living close by can be your eyes and ears when you are not there.  If your area has Neighbourhood Watch, advise the block captain when you are leaving for the winter.

These are a few things that you can do when closing up your cottage for the winter. Break and Enters are crimes of opportunity. Securing your property as best as you can, may reduce the opportunities for the criminals. For more information check the crime prevention section on the OPP website at www.opp.ca.