Holiday Season Safety Tips, Keep your home and property safe

Toronto Police Service News Release

Holiday Season Safety Tips, Keep your home and property safe

Friday, December 13, 2013 - 6:30 AM
53 Division:  416-808-5300

The Toronto Police Service, 53 Division, would like to advise the public of some holiday season crime-prevention tips.

During the holiday season, with colder weather, there is traditionally an increase in break-and-enters, theft from vehicles, theft of vehicles, and theft of packages and gifts. These tips may help keep not only yourselves safe but your property secure.

Here are some things to consider:

- when shopping on the internet, ensure packages and parcels are delivered in person and not left unattended

- keep valuables such as gifts, phones, computers etc., out of view when in your vehicles and, if necessary, lock them in the trunk out of plain view

- ensure vehicles are secured and locked, and set your alarm if possible

- do not leave vehicles unattended with the engine running and, if available, use only factory-installed remote starting units.

- ensure your home is secure by locking the doors and windows, and activate alarms if available

- keep keys secure within your home, including spare keys. Keep them in a secure drawer or cabinet

- park your vehicle in a garage whenever possible

- have a neighbour pick up newspapers and mail and shovel your driveway when you are away during the holidays

Using these tips may help keep you and your property safe and secure.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2222, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more safety tips, click here

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Staff Sergeant Matthew Moyer, 53 Division