As robberies continue to rise in Ontario, robbers are getting creative with their methods. In this post we will go over some of the methods burglars are using and how you can protect yourself!
Tracking Devices
The newest trend is attaching an AirTag to a target car while it’s unattended. Robbers will then track the car to your home or parking lot and steal the vehicle.
Constable Marco Ricciardi of Toronto police’s 22 Division said these magnetic tags are usually attached behind the license plate, on a trailer hitch receiver or other unnoticeable places.
Here is how you can protect yourself and your vehicles:
- Turn on your location services on your phone to get a notification when there is an AirTag or SmartTag nearby.
- If you find a device stuck to your car, call the police immediately so they can track down the thief.
- If you are not alone and you are in a safe situation, you can try disabling the tracker yourself. The device contains a small watch battery that can be removed.
- Lastly you can equip your vehicle with its own AirTag or SmartTag so you are aware of your vehicle’s location at all times.
Important: Please prioritize your safety and if at any point you feel unsafe, call the police right away!
Learning Your Routine
Before a thief can execute the crime, he needs to pick the perfect target. Robbers canvas a neighbourhood looking for specific weaknesses, highlighted below.
Indications You’re Away: The last thing burglars want is to run into homeowners during the job. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 72% of burglaries occurred when the home wasn’t occupied. To avoid the risk of your home getting robbed, here are a few tips:
- If you are away, ask a neighbour to watch over your home and bring in any mail/packages left at the door. Piled up mail is easy to spot for a burglar and is indication you are away.
- An occupied home will have lights turning on and off sporadically. Setting up smart lights that you can control remotely can deter thieves. You can also install motion-activated lights around your doors and windows.
- As you’re traveling you may want to post about your trip on social media. We suggest holding off until you are back home as vacation photos are an indication you are away making your home an easy target.
Being Too Kind
When a stranger knocks on your door asking for help, you may be intrigued to check out the situation. This is a frequent strategy used by robbers to invade your home. Here’s what you should do to keep yourself and your home safe:
- Make sure you keep all of your doors and windows locked at all times, especially at night.
- Install a doorbell camera or a security camera to see who is at your front door. You can also keep the footage in case you need to show it to the police.
If at any point you feel unsafe, please call the police!
Carjackings
Auto thefts are up nearly 45% in Toronto compared to last year and they are not slowing down. The Toronto Police urges individuals to be aware of their surroundings at all times when entering their vehicle on their driveway or at a parking lot. If possible, it is best to keep your vehicle in the garage. You can also install motion activated lights on your driveway, an alarm in your garage and cameras facing your driveway.
If you do see someone approaching your vehicle, make sure to lock your vehicle and set off the alarm on your key fob. Making noise will attract attention which is the last thing robbers want.
It is important to note that if someone approaches you armed, please give up your vehicle as it can be replaced unlike your life.
If you feel like you are being followed, drive to your nearest police or fire station and call the authorities.
Robbers are getting more and more creative with their methods so it is important to remain vigilant at all times.
Consider installing a security system, smart home features or motion activated lights at your home. If you are looking to get started, check out our services page or contact us!
