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Preparing your cottage or seasonal property for winter often requires physical maintenance such as draining and shutting down your water systems to prevent frozen or burst pipes. It may also involve reviewing your electrical systems and turning off electricity and heat at your cottage. As well as inspecting your roof and windows to make sure that there won't be any water leaks throughout the winter months. This is in addition to making sure your property is also secure against break and enters.
If you're a cottage owner who doesn't use their property in the winter months, then you need to take the proper precautions to prevent your cottage from being broken into. Every winter, the RCMP responds to many reports of breaking and entering at cottages and cabins. Seasonal properties are often crimes of opportunity because they are located in isolated areas. When no one is around to see a crime happen unfortunately criminal activity is often increased, especially in the winter months. In an article from City News Halifax, the Nova Scotia RCMP offers tips to keep your cottage or seasonal property secure this winter, including:
- Removing all valuables from your cottage (including firearms);
- Locking / securing all doors and windows;
- Ensuring all windows are covered by closing curtains or blinds;
- Ensuring all outbuildings (e.g., garage or shed) are secured.
- Removing valuables;
- Not leaving tools and items outside that could be used to break into your cottage.
- Ensuring your cottage is visited on a regular basis. You may also want to consider using a trail camera.
- Ensuring your property is well lit, with motion sensors and timers on lights;
- Installing an alarm system with a local contact person if you don't live nearby.
It's also a good idea to see if any of your neighbours will be checking in on their cottages throughout the winter months and asking if they can check in on yours as well. Or creating a buddy system so your cottage or seasonal property has regular people checking in on it. The RCMP encourages community members to report any suspicious activity when as it happens. This includes taking notes of a vehicle description license plate or any information that may help to the lead and recovery of stolen and damaged properties.
As noted in the article, Nova Scotia RCMP can be contacted anywhere in the province by calling 1-800-803-RCMP (7267). Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web-tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.
Contact us to learn how Home Insurance can help protect your summer property against theft, damage and more.
OTC Insurance covers insurance needs in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island.
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