By Roger White

Keeping your cottages secure during winter

Oct 3, 2017 | 5:00 PM

As the leaves begin to fall, cottage owners are thinking about winterizing their cabins. CAA Saskatchewan along with the Meadow Lake and Battleford’s RCMP detachments encourage residents to take precautions for peace of mind and property safety.

“A quick inspection of the outside of your cottage will give you a pretty good idea what needs to be done,” Christine Niemczyk of CAA Saskatchewan said.

She recommended inspecting doors and windows to see if there are any damages or if caulking needs to be replaced. It’s also prudent to inspect the structure’s roof and replace any damaged or missing shingles and to clean the eavestrough so melting snow drains properly in the spring.

Meadow Lake RCMP Sgt. Ryan How said residents should remove alcohol and valuables from inside the home.

“Thieves are generally looking for alcohol and too many cabin owners leave liquor behind,” How said. “In fact, many cabins are broken into repeatedly because the criminals know that the owners leave their alcohol behind.”

2023-24 Hardware

AAA Stars celebrate best of season with year-end awards

15h ago

Real Estate

Buying or selling a house? Do your homework first

18h ago

NB council

City approves new land sale on Buhler Bay

19h ago

He also advised regular check-ins on the cottage. 

“In Meadow Lake, we try to patrol the cabin areas in the off season,” How said. “However we need to make sure the active investigations and incoming service calls get first priority.”  

Last winter officers responded to a number of break-ins near Cochin and Meota including six in one weekend.

“We want people to keep in mind not to leave weapons behind as well,” Staff Sgt. Darcy Woolfitt of the Battleford RCMP said. “The best way to avoid crimes of opportunity is to take away that opportunity.”

Woolfitt also said when cottage owners do a final inspection it helps to photograph everything in its place before leaving for an extended period.

“Having detailed photos will certainly help in the event of a theft or damage or even fire,” Woolfitt added. “Pictures will not only help us in our investigation but if you need to make a claim the process should be smoother for both you and your insurer.”

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @RJWtheReporter