The North Bay Police Service is warning residents of an increase in reported residential break-and-enters.
Officials say the incidents happened in neighbourhoods throughout the city and remain under active investigation.
Police are asking residents to remain aware of activity in their neighbourhoods and report anything suspicious.
They say ways to protect your home, include:
· Lock it: Lock all doors, windows and your garage, even when you’re home.
· Light it: Keep entrances and dark areas around your home well lit.
· Hide it: Keep valuables out of sight from windows and doors.
· Secure it: Don’t leave spare keys outside your home.
· Check it: Consider using security cameras or a doorbell camera.
· Clear it: Keep shrubs and trees trimmed around doors and windows.
· Document it: Keep a record of valuables, including photos and serial numbers.
· When away, make it look occupied: Ask a trusted neighbour to collect mail and packages.
· Think before you post: Avoid sharing vacation plans or information about when your home will be empty.
They also say know what to look for. Remain aware of suspicious activity and check security camera footage for:
· People checking doors, windows or vehicles on neighbouring properties.
· An unexpected knock at your door from someone asking for a person you don’t recognize.
· Unfamiliar people spending extended periods around homes without an apparent reason.
· Vehicles repeatedly driving slowly through a neighbourhood or stopping near homes.
· Unusual activity around homes that are known to be vacant.
Police say residents should not approach or confront anyone they believe may be involved in criminal activity.
If you see something suspicious, take note of descriptions of people, vehicles and direction of travel, and report them to police.
Police say if you are witnessing a crime in progress or there is an immediate threat to safety call 9-1-1.
