Summer is one of my favorite times of the year in Calgary. The weather warms up and families can enjoy sports in the backyard, bike rides on the pathways and day trips to the mountains. But during this time of year, our families may become a little more carefree and a little less concerned about crime prevention — especially when it comes to home and garage security.
The following are some easy crime prevention tips and reminders for you and your children to help keep your home secure. Put bikes, scooters and other toys out-of-sight to reduce the temptation of theft.
Children spend most of their summer days outdoors, playing with their toys and riding their bikes, scooters and skateboards. When they're called inside they may leave their toys lying on the front lawn and think little of it — especially when they plan to return shortly.
Thieves are quick to spot these opportunities. Reinforce to your children the importance of putting away their cherished toys. The popularity of scooters has soared in the last year — and so has the demand by thieves. Their size makes them an easy target — easy for thieves to grab and run. Reminding your children to keep their toys out of sight will ensure they can enjoy them next summer.
Even when you're home or in the backyard, remember to lock your front door and garage doors to keep thieves out. It's easy to think that when we're "only in the backyard" thieves won't try to enter our homes. Unfortunately, this isn't always true. Thieves will break into a home through an unlocked front door or garage door, even when someone is mowing the lawn in the backyard. To help keep your home secure, remember to keep all your doors locked at all times.
Lock your windows to prevent thieves from breaking into your home.
While it may be common to break into homes through the garage door, thieves are always happy to come across an unlocked window. While it may be pleasant to keep the windows open when it's warm out, it also makes your home a target for thieves when you're away from home. Remember, open windows not only let in the fresh air, but also let in thieves looking for an easy target. Locking your windows and doors will discourage a would-be thief.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) increases home security mainly by changing landscaping, lighting and access to a home or building. CPTED is based on the premise that the design of our environment directly affects our behavior. It reduces opportunities for crime and fear of crime.
A few simple CPTED ideas you can use to enhance your home's security include:
I hope you and your family have an enjoyable, safe and secure summer.
For more crime prevention tips visit the Calgary Police Service website at http://www.calgarypolice.com/ or pick up the Spring 2001 issue of Police Advisor at your district office. For more safety tips on babysitting and staying home alone visit the Calgary Police Service website at http://www.calgarypolice.com
Jack is the Chief of the Calgary Police Service. The Calgary Police Service welcomes your comments on the information available on our web site or in my Calgary's Child column. We would also appreciate your suggestions for future topics. You can send us your feedback either through e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fax at 216-5358 or by calling Lyla McLaren at 206-8989. Thank you for helping us provide the information you feel is most valuable for your family's safety and well-being.
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