Protecting Your Property: How to Safeguard Your Home and Business Against Crime

THUNDER BAY – CRIME PREVENTION – With recent break-ins, like the theft at the Beaver Post Trading Post, many residents and business owners in Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario are asking themselves: How can we better protect our property?

As well, people are now opening their camps and could be finding that thieves have already “opened” their camp.

Police stress that while no security measure is 100% foolproof, taking proactive steps can significantly lower the risk of becoming a target for crime.

Many residents are heading out to open their seasonal camps and cabins. Unfortunately, for some, the excitement of the first visit turns into frustration when they discover they’ve been the victim of a break-in.

If you find signs of forced entry or theft at your camp, it’s important to act carefully — not only for your safety, but to help police catch those responsible.

Here’s what authorities recommend you do:

1. Stay Outside and Don’t Touch Anything

Your first instinct might be to go inside and inspect the damage — but don’t.
Police strongly advise:

• Do not enter if you notice broken windows, forced doors, or other signs of entry.

• The intruder could still be inside.

• Entering could contaminate evidence like fingerprints or footprints.

Tip:
If you’re with others, keep everyone at a safe distance.

2. Call Police Immediately

Report the break-in right away by calling:

• Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) – 1-888-310-1122

• If it’s an emergency (e.g., you believe someone is inside), call 911.

Be prepared to provide:

• Your location (911 addresses if available, GPS coordinates, or landmarks).

• A description of what you’ve observed.

• Whether you’ve seen any suspicious persons or vehicles.

Important:
Wait for officers to arrive before doing anything else.

3. Preserve the Scene

Until police get there:

• Avoid walking around the property unnecessarily.

• Don’t move or touch anything inside or outside.

• Keep an eye out for tire tracks, footprints, discarded items, or tools that might be evidence.

4. Document What You See (Safely)

If you can safely do so without entering:

• Take photos of the scene — broken doors, windows, or tracks.

• Write down anything unusual you notice (fresh footprints, vehicle tracks, missing items visible from outside).

This information can help police later in their investigation.

5. Take Inventory for Police and Insurance

After police have cleared the scene:

• Go through your camp carefully and note what’s missing or damaged.

• Create a list with descriptions, serial numbers (if available), and estimated values.

• Take photos of the damage and the items you still have.

Tip:
Keep this inventory updated every year — it helps both police and insurance companies if theft occurs.

6. Strengthen Your Camp’s Security

Once you’ve handled the immediate situation, it’s time to think about preventing future incidents:

Suggestions:

• Install trail cameras or security cameras.

• Upgrade to reinforced doors and deadbolt locks.

• Install window bars or security shutters on vulnerable windows.

• Secure valuables or take them home during the off-season.

• Post signs indicating that your camp is under surveillance.

Community Tip:
If you have neighbours nearby, consider joining a local Camp Watch program or informally agreeing to watch each other’s properties.

What to do to Prevent a Break In!

Install Visible Security Cameras

Security cameras are one of the most effective deterrents against break-ins. Criminals often scout for easy targets, and a visible camera system makes them think twice.

Key Tips:

• Use high-definition cameras with night vision.

• Cover entry points like doors, garages, and back alleys.

• Make sure your system allows for remote viewing and motion alerts to your phone.

• Place signs indicating your property is under video surveillance — this alone can deter crime.

Popular Choices:
Outdoor-rated cameras like Arlo, Ring, and Lorex offer affordable, reliable options. Police recommend ensuring that your cameras capture clear images of faces and vehicles if possible.

Upgrade Your Locks and Doors

Many thieves don’t “break” in — they simply walk in through an unlocked or weakly secured door. Police suggest:

Door and Lock Tips:

• Use deadbolt locks with a minimum one-inch throw bolt.

• Install reinforced strike plates with 3-inch screws to make it harder to kick in doors.

• For businesses, consider commercial-grade locks and security bars for secondary entrances.

• For windows, install pin locks or security film that makes glass harder to smash.

Reminder:
Don’t hide keys outside under mats or planters — criminals know where to look.

Light Up Your Property

Burglars prefer dark, hidden areas. Installing motion-sensor lights around entrances, driveways, and backyards can discourage suspicious activity.

Lighting Tips:

• Use LED motion lights that activate at dusk.

• Focus on all doors and dark corners.

• For businesses, consider interior lights on timers to give the appearance of activity overnight.

Limit What’s Visible

Avoid showcasing valuables through windows or leaving tools outside that could help a thief break in.

Visibility Tips:

• Keep expensive items like ATVs, snowmobiles, and bikes locked up and out of sight.

• Make sure indoor blinds or curtains block views into your home or business after dark.

• Secure sheds, garages, and outbuildings with strong locks.

Build a Strong Community Network

Police often emphasize that watchful neighbours are one of the best defenses.

Neighbourhood Tips:

• Join or form a Neighbourhood Watch program.

• Get to know your neighbours and look out for each other’s properties.

• Share information about suspicious activity with your local OPP or Thunder Bay Police.

If You See Something, Say Something

If you notice suspicious behaviour — people lurking, vehicles casing properties, or unfamiliar individuals loitering — report it immediately.

Important Contacts:

• Thunder Bay Police Service: 807-684-1200

• Ontario Provincial Police (OPP): 1-888-310-1122

• Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

While we can’t eliminate risk entirely, taking these common-sense security measures makes you a far less appealing target. A well-secured property sends a clear message: “Not today.”

For more safety tips, visit www.opp.ca or www.thunderbaypolice.ca.

Stay Safe, Be Prepared, and Protect Your Property

Before You Go:

✅ Tell someone your destination and expected return time.
✅ Bring a fully charged cell phone and extra battery pack.
✅ Pack a flashlight, gloves, and a first aid kit.
✅ Have your camp’s emergency address (911 address or GPS coordinates) handy.

Upon Arrival:

✅ Do a visual check from a distance — look for signs of forced entry (broken doors/windows).
✅ Stay outside if you suspect a break-in.
✅ Call police immediately if something looks wrong (OPP Non-Emergency: 1-888-310-1122 / Emergency: 911).
✅ Do not touch anything or walk around the scene.
✅ Photograph visible damage or suspicious tracks without disturbing the area.

Inspecting the Camp (After Police Clear the Scene):

✅ Walk through carefully and document any missing or damaged items.
✅ Take clear photos of damage for insurance purposes.
✅ Make a detailed inventory of missing items (include serial numbers if possible).

Maintenance and Safety Checks:

✅ Inspect locks, doors, and windows — repair or reinforce as needed.
✅ Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
✅ Check for animal intrusions (nests, droppings) before turning on appliances.
✅ Turn on and test water, electrical, and heating systems carefully.
✅ Clear debris around buildings to reduce fire hazards.

Security Enhancements for Future Visits:

✅ Install or test security cameras or trail cams.
✅ Upgrade locks to heavy-duty deadbolts.
✅ Install motion-sensor lights around entry points.
✅ Post visible security signage (“Property Under Surveillance”).
✅ Remove or secure valuables before leaving for extended periods.