A daytime residential break-in last week has city police reminding residents to stay vigilant and take steps to protect their homes.
The North Bay Police Service says around noon last Wednesday, a man entered home in the Tweedsmuir Drive area, near the Kate Pace Way.
After finding the homeowner inside, police say the man fled the area.
He’s described as white, approximately 5’10” tall, and was wearing a ski mask at the time.
Investigators are asking residents in the area to review security camera footage between 9 am and 2 pm on Oct. 28 and report any suspicious activity or footage to police.
Residents whose properties back onto greenspaces, wooded areas or trails are encouraged to be aware of activity around their homes and ensure potential access points are secure.
Police say simple ways to protect your home:
· 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 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.
