The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Flin Flonners are generally considered a close-knit bunch but residents must be weary of the bad apples. That's the message of RCMP Cst. Jeeve Brar, who wants to help prevent people from becoming victims of break-ins. "It's very, very easy to protect yourself. It's not complicated," he said. Cst. Brar said residents should look at their homes from a burglar's point of view and work to eliminate inviting opportunities for criminals. He said the easiest actions people can take are common sense measures like keeping their doors and windows locked and ensuring entrances are well lit. The officer recommends that homeowners minimize places in their yards that could serve as hiding spots for burglars. This includes keeping yards clear of clutter and properly maintaining any bushes directly around the home. Cst. Brar said burglars may use such hiding spots to stake out a home or allude police. While Cst. Brar considers the number of break-ins in Flin Flon to be average for a community of this size, he said it's important that people remain alert to the possibility. Other tips from Cst. Brar include: Do not keep tools around the yard, as they may be used as instruments for a break-in. Know who is entering your home. Cst. Brar said break-ins are often conducted by people who are familiar with the residence and the occupants. Ensure the greeting message on your answering machine does not confirm that you are away. A message may say something like, "We can't come to the phone right now." If going on vacation, do not state that you are going to be out of town. See 'Police' P.# Con't from P.# At nighttime, ensure your curtains are closed. It's difficult for people in a lit room to see outside their windows at night, but it's very easy for someone outside to look in Ñ and see what valuables you own. Don't give people reason to believe that you have valuables in your home. For instance, if you purchase a brand new computer, tear up the box and place it in a garbage bag for disposal rather than leaving the box at your bin. When you are going on vacation, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your home and leave on at least one light inside. Do not keep benches or ladders outside the home, as they may help a burglar. Report any successful or attempted break-in. Cst. Brar said an unreported incident may give the burglar a sense of security that he can get away with the crime. Take note of suspicious people who look like they do not belong in the neighbourhood. Jot down a brief description in case any crimes occur. Install a dead bolt at your entrances if you have not already done so.
