Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) are usually the ones who receive tips from the public. But in a reversal of roles, the police gathered dozens of members of the community at the Acton Arena Wednesday night (April 17) to offer up some helpful information.
The session was about crime prevention through environmental design, which is exactly what it sounds like - making a home safer by changing its built form.
While the Wednesday night talk - a joint venture between police and Ward 2 councillors in response to an increase in rural break-ins - was geared towards homes specifically, Cst. James DeDieu says that methods can also be applied to places like private businesses, stores and on-site storage.
“It's something as a homeowner, a business owner, you should embrace and just take a look at, ‘How can I protect myself?’” DeDieu told the audience.
Some homeowners may not realize that certain choices made about their property could help an intruder enter their home. Large bushes can obscure them as they try to pry open a door. DeDieu calls small landscaping rocks “master keys” because of how often they are used to smash a window and gain entry.
Physical barriers to entry were also encouraged. Techniques like hinge pinning create “an extra kind of a deadbolt lock system,” DeDieu explained.
Reinforced door frames, improved locks on windows and security film on window glass were also offered as possible solutions.
As making an intruder feel watched can act as a deterrent to crime, cameras and bright lighting (motion triggered or otherwise) may spook a potential criminal, police said.
Natural surveillance - the number of human eyes on the street - can be an inexpensive way to ensure a break and enter is prevented as well.
One attendee, local farmer Barry Brooks, said he generally feels safe on his rural Acton property. But he and his neighbours, who are also his good friends, practice natural surveillance.
“Our neighbours watch out for each other,” Brooks said. “My neighbours across the road have been robbed. But if I had noticed anything, for sure I would have done something or called somebody. We're not overly nosy neighbours, but if we see something different, for sure we're going to ask some questions or see what they're up to.”
The evening ended with a one-on-one question-and-answer period between attendees and the police.
The HRPS’ recently-released Strategic Plan notes that property crime was the highest concern for Halton residents. Within that category, break and enter was the second most concerning crime type, behind vehicle theft.
The public can call HRPS personnel to come to a residence and give advice on crime prevention through environmental design. With a checklist in hand, they will examine a property before providing said advice.
Halton Hills residents who want to take the police up on the offer can call 1 Division at 905-825-4777, ext. 2105 or 905-878-5511.
More information on crime prevention through environmental design and burglary prevention can be found on the Halton Police website.
