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Open doors an invitation to thieves Const. Chris Borak Similar to last week's column-- lock it or lose it-- I'd like to talk to you about your home and, or business. In the sweltering summer heat those of u who don't have air conditioning, or those who are promoting energy savings by not using their air conditioning, may decide to leave doors and windows open to allow for a breeze. This is common for many businesses in our town, and it is a common access point for thieves. There has been a recent rash of business thefts through opened and unattended rear doors.While the lone employee or sales employees are in the front of the store tending to their clients, would-be criminals are helping themselves to anything of value from the back door.These thefts have the potential to go unnoticed for a long period of time, such as an inventory check, and at that point offer little for police to investigate. Similarly, if you are in your backyard enjoying the summer sun, perhaps tending to your garden or chatting about forming a Neighbourhood Watch with your neighbours, keep your front door locked, garage doors down, and windows secured. You can take steps to secure your open windows, such as frame pins or bars to allow the windows to only open to a certain point. Unfortunately the more opportunities you present to a criminal to commit their crimes, the greater the likelihood you are allowing yourself to become a victim. Contact me personally for crime prevention tips at 905-878-5511 extension 2470, or by emailing chris.borak@hrps.on.ca. Please reserve the 911 system for emergency calls only. -Const. Chris Borak is the community support officer for District 1 Police remind residents to secure homes Halton Police remind area residents to take steps to ensure their homes and valuables are safe and secure this summer. A Halton Police spokesperson says summer is traditionally a time when opportunistic criminals take advantage of unlocked doors and windows. Police remind residents to make sure their ground floor windows are properly closed and locked before going to bed, and stress that window and door screens can be easily cut. Residents should keep garage and front doors locked even if they are just going out to garden or swim in their backyard pool. Police say one of the most effective things homeowners can do when they are away on holidays is to ask neighbours and friends to watch their homes for them. Papers and mail should be picked up and motion lights or timers for lights should be used to give the home a lived-in appearance. Anyone who sees suspicious activity in their neighbourhood should contact police.