The OPP are seeing a rise in reports of crime at seasonal residences and properties.
Constable Krista Linthorne of South Bruce OPP says seasonal properties are easy targets because many people don't check on theirs during the offseason.
"So a lot of these residences, they're not being checked on in the winter, so it's really important to have someone checking on your property, even to do something like snow removal, it would make it seem like someone is still at the property. Installing lighting around the property is also good, especially motion lighting, so if someone steps onto your property they'll turn on and maybe alert somebody that someone might be there," Linthorne explained.
Constable Linthorne adds that you should ensure you properly secure buildings.
"Obviously locking up your property and making sure you have deadbolts is a good idea. Putting plywood over the windows, that's an easy deterrent. Making sure you don't have anything lying around on your property that could break windows like a large rock, that someone could use as a break-in tool. Using safety bars on all your windows and things like patio doors is also very useful," added Linthorne.
Many crimes on seasonal properties involve the theft of vehicles, like ATVs, or even large items like boat motors. Alcohol is also a commonly stolen thing, as well as tools. Constable Linthorne says if you need to store large things like vehicles or tools at the property, make sure you record what you have.
"Take photos of all your valuables and record serial numbers and VINs so that if things are stolen, it's easier for the police to recover. That way if we find someone in possession of that stolen item, we know who it belongs to," Linthorne said.