The Sarnia Police Service (SPS) is offering tips to keep your home safe, not just over the holidays, but year-round.
Deputy Chief Michael Van Sickle said first and foremost, it's "imperative" that all doors and windows are locked.
"If you're going to leave -- whether it be for a short period of time or a long period of time, ensure that those things are done," he said.
Snow removal is also key during the winter months.
"If you're going to be away from home, have somebody that you trust come over and clean the driveway, but also any cars and the front porch," he said. "Those are telltale signs usually that somebody's not home. Really, what you want to do is make it lived in... so footprints across the front lawn leading to the front door or tire tracks in the driveway are always helpful."
He said residents may also want to consider hiding any valuables from plain sight.
"Most often, break-ins are crimes of opportunity," Van Sickle said. "Take the steps to reduce the risk and deter would-be thieves."
Van Sickle said in the unfortunate situation where a home appears to have been broken into, the first thing to do is contact police.
"The people may very well be gone but they absolutely left evidence behind that could be contaminated by the homeowner," he said. "So if you are suspicious that your home was broken into, call us right away, and let us be the first ones to enter."
In terms of trends, Van Sickle said there's no verifiable data to suggest the SPS sees an uptick in break-ins during the holidays.
