For Those Looking To Make Fast Money Illegally, Stolen Property Gets The Job Done. But It Doesn’t End There.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who has noticed an influx of property theft, personal theft, employee theft, bank robberies, retail theft, and pharmacy break-in’s the past year.
For those people who turn to theft, they have to be at the bottom of the barrel to want to get their butt slammed in jail or even worse, killed.
Related: Property Crimes Common in Western Canada
A 2007 report by Statistics Canada suggested that property crimes are far more likely to occur in cities and towns than they are in rural communities.
However, farms can be easy targets, especially when the owners are not present.
That’s a simple truth.
The hard truth is, why is this happening, and what are we doing as a community or government to help control the situation?
Mental illness has long been shoved under the carpet, but has now been the spotlight of many incidents across Canada that involve violence, theft, robbery, and even death.
Depression and addictions, along with other illnesses, can take hold of anyone.
Property Theft Defined
What is Property Theft?
From burglary to vandalism, property crime is the most commonly recorded offence in most cities.
It can be a targeted attack or a random act of crime involving damaged or stolen property.
Break-and-enters and motor vehicle theft are two of the most common police-reported offences in Canada.- Mounted Police Canada.
Addictions and Mental Illness
With the recent Fentanyl craze, along with other opioids such as OxyContin, methadone, and so on, pharmacies are burglarized and robbed daily.
Right now, Fentanyl is a hugely addictive drug that is cheap and, in most cases, can cause death if bought off the streets from shady dealers.
For this reason, Naloxone is prescribed for free to Canadians who are at risk of an opioid overdose.
Related: Windsor, Ontario, Pharmacy Robbed for Opioids
Fentanyl is a huge money-maker at the moment for drug dealers, and for those addicted, it can be life or death, and in many cases, death follows them unless Naloxone can save them on time.
Related: Fentanyl contributed to hundreds of deaths in Canada so far this year.
In the end, property theft is either about needing money to pay the bills or related to drugs and alcohol.
Then there is the thief who might fancy something they can’t afford and would like to have it even if it means stealing it.
Some people make a living by pursuing property theft, which is easier to do rather than hold up a bank or business for cash.
There are too many hidden opportunities for the robber or thief to get caught, but for some, it’s what they believe is their last option.
Most professional thieves don’t pick random properties to burglarize or steal from; they find a property that is an easy target and profile it, then go in for the loot.
If you, as a homeowner, are not protected, your insurance company may or may not accept a property theft claim.
Besides, if your deductible is higher than what was stolen, there is no point in claiming it on your insurance.
Avoid The High Costs Of Property Theft
We all make mistakes.
Recently, our neighbour had his $1200 bike stolen from his garage during daylight hours because he left his garage open.
I find that seems to be a trend in Ontario to keep your garage open during the summer months, which I found odd unless you were doing work inside or outside the property.
Home invasions are another way thieves participate in property theft, especially if it’s something they want.
Hide Your Bling
Flash your cash around and leave your doors open, and you might find yourself face down on the ground, tied up, and someone going through your stuff while you have no way of stopping them.
Property theft begins with bling, which means thieves spot stuff they want because they can see it.
I know it’s hard to believe that this world has come to this, but it has, and until something changes, we need to chain down everything we own and protect ourselves from property theft, especially vehicle break-ins.
Considering all the ways we are vulnerable is scary, but we need to take charge and protect ourselves.
I’m sure our friend will never see his bike again, but he’s learned a valuable lesson from that, so did we: lock it up.
Protect Your Perimeter
My inspiration for this post comes after many years of being a homeowner and personally having property theft so close to home.
In recent months, we’ve been getting notifications from our community neighbourhood team to protect ourselves as homes and vehicles were broken into.
When it happens to you, a sense of violation will happen and may cause insecurity day in and day out because you believe someone might come back to finish a job.
We shouldn’t have to live this way, but unfortunately, we can’t all change the world.
However, we can make a difference by supporting each other, education, and assisting those who desperately need it.
Let’s look at ways you can protect yourself from property theft, vehicle theft, and home burglary.
Security Alarm System: Top Property Theft Protection
We don’t have an active security alarm system in our home, but an ancient one is wired in but not activated.
I did, however, install a wired doorbell security system that connects to wi-fi so we can talk and see anyone who comes to our front door.
The price was only $100, which I thought was great, and it performs well, too.
If you plan to install an alarm system, be sure to research and review customer reviews before signing up.
Rogers now offers an alarm system that you can access via your cell phone, which is great because you can check in on the house.
My mother-in-law has Arlo Pro security cameras outside her house, which she bought on Amazon Canada for $399.
It comes with two outdoor cameras and batteries.
The battery charger was extra, as was the solar panel, which was far superior.
They were relatively easy to install for her, and we purchased an Arlo Pro weatherproof solar panel battery charger for an extra $100.
It’s great that we can monitor her home via Wi-Fi and talk to anyone on the property through the camera speakers.
There’s also a deafening alarm we can sound if we see intruders on the property
Outdoor Lighting
Well-lit properties with motion sensors or in-ground lighting are less likely to be targets of property theft because thieves already know that the homeowner is ahead of the theft game.
They are looking for that one homeowner who has left themselves vulnerable to those night seekers of fast cash.
Lock The Garage Door
One of the easiest ways into a home is through an unlocked door but an unlocked garage or even worse a garage door that is wide open is the easiest way in.
Never give out your keypad key for the garage, and protect it when you use it, just as you would your debit card at an ATM.
Always do a double-check of doors on the way out of the house and on the way to bed.
This has become a habit in our home that my dad started ever since my mum and dad came to Canada.
Back in the UK, all of our doors and windows lock with a key.
Not just one key either, they all have a key, so my parents are always locking and unlocking doors and windows.
I believe that with property theft happening all over the world, it has become the norm for those who are afraid of it.
The bottom line is you have to care.
Each night before bed, my dad would check our front and garage doors to make sure it was closed and then lock the doors behind him.
Ever since we’ve done the same thing because it will be that one time that we forget, and boom, we will be the target.
Lock and Alarm Vehicles
My truck doesn’t have an alarm system on it, but my new truck will, which is great because car and truck theft is a huge business.
Petty thieves looking for spare coins or stuff they can easily sell for easy money, such as CDs, stereo, computer, jewelry, cell phone, designer sunglasses, car seats, or other valuables left in plain view.
I don’t know how many people I know who have had their wallet or purse stolen from their vehicle at home while they slept.
I’ve left my wallet in the truck many times, only to have Mrs.CBB ask me where it is when I come home.
It’s easy for a guy to do because we pull it out of our back pocket and set it in the cup holder or glove box.
A purse, on the other hand, is a bit bigger, and if you’re anything like my wife, she has a purse filled with everything and never forgets it.
On the odd occasion, she leaves it in the truck when we go shopping, but takes her wallet with her.
I know other women out there do the same.
While in the Food Basics parking lot, I watched a woman who locked her purse inside the trunk.
That’s probably the best option if you’re going shopping, but remember to take it out.
Also, keep your key fob away from the front of the home where the vehicle is to deter thieves from auto-starting and driving away.
These days, there are all sorts of devices that can tap into your key fob and start the car right under your nose when you’re off with the fairies.
Lock The Windows
I have yet to be in a house in Ontario where every window is locked with a key, but I’m sure there are some out there.
For the most part, windows in the UK homes have no screens like they do in Canada.
That means when they are opened, anyone can jump in if they can fit.
Upper windows on homes generally push out and up, and I remember Mrs. CBB asking why there were no screens.
She worried about bugs getting in and possibly theft if they were left open.
It was hard for her to sleep at night if the windows were left open for fresh air.
In Canada, it has been nice to simply open and close windows with a window lock and a screen.
I do like the screens as a bug, dust, and dirt deterrent, but also for an extra layer of protection.
It takes longer to break in with a screen, more noise and a pain in the butt I reckon.
Just make sure you lock your windows and doors at all times, even when you are inside the house.
All it takes is someone to walk in while you are folding laundry or doing other chores, and you won’t even know it.
Stickers and Sign Deterrents
I’m sure you’ve all seen property protected by an alarm or television camera security of the property.
I’d imagine this would deter potential property theft bandits from coming near your house and car.
Stickers on the windows and doors that are in view are also smart moves for property owners and for those who rent.
It doesn’t matter if you own a home or rent a thief doesn’t care, protect yourself.
Neighbour Assistance
If you’re going away for vacation or an extended period, talk to your neighbour, family, or friends to help you out.
Neighbour awareness when you are gone means that they can watch for any odd activity on the property.
Some other tasks your neighbour could help with, when possible, would be to water your lawn, mow the grass, and take out the trash for you.
Our neighbour is great and we help each other out all the time when we are away from our homes.
He might take my trash bins in if we leave on or near garbage day.
That’s a sure sign you are away when your trash bins are left out for 2 weeks.
He will also mow the lawn for us, water the plants, and have access to our home if needed in the case of an emergency.
Don’t Hide a House Key
If you are a homeowner who hides a key under the front door mat, in the mailbox, or under a pot or plant around the property, don’t.
These are the first places that thieves will look if they want inside your house or car.
We purchased a wall-mounted lockbox that screwed to the brick and includes code similar to a bike lock.
It has been a blessing for many years, especially all the times we got locked out.
With a price tag of $25.
I’d say it was worth the investment.
Plus, if you explain to your insurance company that your home was broken into with a key left outside, they might refuse to pay out.
Open House Thefts
If you plan to sell your house and hold open houses where potential buyers can view your home along with other real estate agents, to protect your property.
I’ve written about real estate theft in the past, but everyone who comes through your home during an open house is a stranger and a potential thief.
Related: Protect yourself from Open House Theft when selling your home.
Either opt to be home when an open house is happening or use cameras in the house to track the action.
You could also have your real estate simply book appointments rather than holding an open house.
Thieves thrive on them because it’s another easy way into a home.
Educate Family
Your kid(s) need to understand all the above and more, especially when they are home alone after school or heading out when parents are at work.
Most kids either have a key to the house or know the pin to the garage door opener.
Either way, it’s important to come up with a solid plan to teach your kids about property theft.
Keeping children knowledgeable about thieves and the process to follow when they come home, are at home, or leave the house is critical.
It may sound silly, but those of you who have lost property due to theft most likely feel violated.
Put Stuff Away
One of the worst things kids do is leave their toys, clothing and other gadgets outside.
It’s not uncommon to see bikes left on the front lawn, wagons, scooters, and pricey toys that are easy to sell for cash.
Parents need to ensure the tidy-up routine occurs inside and outside of the home every day or risk their toys being stolen.
Never Leave Valuables On The Curb
Another fast way to get your stuff stolen is to leave it on the curb unintentionally, because there are people who drive around at night looking for free stuff legitimately.
Most often, homeowners will leave free items on the boulevard, so if a bike is lying there, boom, it’s going to be gone.
Keep in mind that if you have in-laws or renters, you should keep them in the loop as well, plus encourage renters’ insurance to keep them protected.
Don’t wait until it happens to you
Overall, you need to be vigilant in the protection department as property theft can happen to anyone.
If you’re someone who loves to stash cash around the house or have valuables, either lock them in a safe, fire-safe, or a lockbox at your bank.
It may cost you upfront, but long term, you’ll have things that matter to you protected.
Not everything in our lives can be replaced, including ourselves.
If it’s not locked down, it’s as good as gone is rubbish.
Stay off our property and be on your way, silly fools.
Discussion Question:
What other ways can property owners protect themselves from property theft, and what have you done?
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I had my ground floor apartment broken into once. I had neglected to put back the wooden bar in the sliding window of the 2nd bedroom after airing out the room. I knew that I had been broken into for 2 reasons…roughly $1 worth of change in my coin dish was missing and the closet folding door was slightly ajar. The bedroom door was closed and my dog was on the other side of it…no doubt barking like a lunatic! She could be quite a terror with her guard dog instincts. The thief never got any further. 🙂
Well that was a waste of time for the thief but good for you. It’s always that one time that something happens. Mrs. CBB said she used a stick in her patio doors when she lived in a building and was always worried about that too as she was on the ground floor.
Hey, Nicely written. The information you provided here in your article is really informative seriously. Thanks for this amazing article. Best wishes and Regards.
Thanks Suresh
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