Local police are warning of a recent rise in break-and-enters to seasonal properties in the area.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they've responded to thirteen break-and-enter occurrences in the area this month - six of them at unoccupied residences - with most of the incidents involving locks being cut or pried open.
Police emphasize the importance of battery powered and motion activated security cameras - like game or trail cameras - noting only one of the six seasonal properties broken into had security cameras, which led to the recovery of several stolen items.
They also recommend installing motion lights or leaving on exterior lights to illuminate entryways and backyards, while making the residence look occupied with light timers and shovelled driveways or walkways and grass cut, leaving a duplicate key with a friend or neighbour instead of hiding it outside, recording or taking photos of the serial numbers of items such as tools or electronics, keeping objects like axes and hammers secured so they can't be used to assist in breaking into your residence, never posting on social media that you're away.
It's also recommended that you rely on friends and neighbours, checking on each other's properties when they're away, and noting suspicious behaviour near your residence or theirs.