The Rural Voice, 2004-02, Page 37MIL
Home Decorating
Protect yourself to improve hour security
Patti
Robertson
operates
Classic
Interiors in
Wingham.
By Patti Robertson
Well, well well ... so this year
we'll be looking at "passion and
purpose within our lives and homes".
What I always find interesting is that
no matter what the topic, there is
always an event that occurs right
before my visit with you that serves
to drive the point home.
So it was that right before
Christmas, my purse was stolen from
our (unfortunately) unlocked car.
About 3:00 a.m. I was up for a
nightly sojourn and did notice
footprints in the snow leading from
the street to the car, but the
implications just did not dawn on me.
I was not alone. There were many
people around Wingham who shared
a similar fate and the count has been
going up.
Wingham has not grown in size
since we arrived many years ago but
the crime rate has! Not only has there
been a rash of thefts from cars there
were also homes broken into in the
early evening hours. This can sure
make a body feel violated and fearful
... so in living our lives purposefully
we should take a few wise
precautions.
Speaking with Wingham Police
Chief Jim Dore we discussed how
one can protect home, property, and
selves. Chief Dore stressed ... things
have changed, where even he never
used to lock his door during the
daytime while out on quick errands
etc., he now does. Always lock
your car, never leave your car
running and unattended. It only
takes an opportunist two seconds to
reach inside and take off with your
purse or other valuables or even the
whole car.
Chief Dore suggests using lights
on timers in and around one's home.
Keep your doors and windows
secured. It has been proven that
outdoor lighting and yard lighting are
an effective deterrent to burglary.
Never be too predictable in your
routines as that shows an opportunist
the prime time to "help themselves"
while you are engaged in an errand.
Become house buddies with a
neighbour, keeping in touch and
letting each other know when you
will be away. Should you be planning
a holiday longer than one week Chief
Dore says "please inform the police"
... not that they'll personally be
checking your doors but as they do
rounds they'll be aware and keep an
eye out. Make sure lights still go off
and on and that there is no buildup of
newspapers, etc. And you know the
nosy neighbour? They can become
the "best spy" friend one could have.
Let them know, and your home is
bound to be well surveyed. As client
Bev McBride says "if you're not
doing anything wrong, who cares if
someone's looking."
Chief Dore also says "if you are
broken into in any way, the moment
you discover the situation, do not
touch anything. Call the police
immediately!" Jim says it's amazing
what the police can ascertain from an
undisturbed crime scene ... foot and
fingerprints, the modus operandi.
Another caution to be aware of if
your home is broken into, it isn't
uncommon for the thieves to return in
six to eight weeks afterwards as that
is approximately the time it takes one
to replace the stolen articles — and
they come back for more! So my
gentle readers be purposeful in your
awareness.
All in all I caution you not to
become fearful. Fear chokes the life
out of us. It's like a flower fading and
dying. Just be aware and neighbourly
in your observations. (We now have
a neighbourhood watch happening on
our own little block.)
So how does my story end? Well 1
did not even know my purse had been
stolen until the police contacted me.
My purse, a wild -looking yellow and
black leopard print with black fake
fur trim, had been found disposed of
in a neighbour's yard. (I mean who in
their right mind would walk around
with such a recognizable item that
they'd stolen?)
My billfold, a considerable
amount of cash and my identity and
credit cards were all gone. So I've
been busy getting replacements for
all that was lost, licking my wounds
and moving wisely forward. But
here's the funniest part. The
government refuses to replace my
SIN card without a birth certificate,
health card, driver's licence, credit
card, etc. as verification. Now let's
get serious here folks! I bet that when
April 30 rolls around and my income
tax is due they'll know exactly who I
am, SIN card or not! Ha -ha-ha. That
ludicrousness definitely tickles my
passion ... be safe.°
PATTI ROBERTSON'S
Unique Residential and
Commercial Interiors
135 Victoria St., WINGHAM
357-2872
• Custom-made Window
Fashions, Bedspreads
& Accessories
• Fine Domestic &
Imported Fabrics
• Select Wallcoverings
• Furnishings, Lighting
& Artwork to suit
any interior...
FEBRUARY 2004 33