The Coquitlam RCMP is reminding people who are planning to be away from home over the holidays to make sure their residences are secure and they are not leaving themselves vulnerable to theft.
Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Jamie Chung said it is important for people who are planning to travel over the holidays to keep several things in mind before leaving their home: Newspaper, mail and any other home deliveries should be stopped as any piles of uncollected papers in front of the door can be a hint for thieves that no one is home.
Travellers should only tell close friends and family that they will be away and should avoid broadcasting their plans over social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter. Other tips include:
Ask a trusted neighbour to watch out for visitors at the home.
Use timers in different areas of the house to turn lights and radios on and off at different times.
Turn off all alarm clocks and phone rings.
Turn off or unplug the garage door opener.
And arrange for someone to shovel your sidewalk if it snows.
In related news, a man and a woman were arrested last week after allegedly breaking into a garage on Sprice Avenue in Coquitlam.
According to Chung, Mounties tracked a pair of suspects with a police dog.
Paul Lindsell, 30, and 45-year-old Barbara Lawrence were arrested a few blocks away. They are facing charges of breaking and entering.
For more information and tips, go to coquitlam.rcmp.ca.
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
