Here’s a cautionary tale to keep in mind. A Franklin Crossing homeowner had some valuable property stolen from his garage recently. Apparently, this is how it happened:
Many garages in this neighbourhood have a side door with a sliding window and a fixed screen. This resident had opened the window for ventilation, and forgotten to close it. Under cover of darkness, a prowling burglar evidently discovered it, and was able to push in the screen without making any noise that might attract attention (as would have been the case with breaking glass). The thief then simply reached in through the opening, turned the lock from the inside, and opened the door. The loot included high-value items that were easy to carry and could be removed quietly. The sleeping occupants of the house heard nothing, and didn’t discover the loss until the next day. Our peaceful neighbourhood – like many others in Greater Moncton – is vulnerable to crimes of opportunity. It’s wise to exercise caution to make it more difficult for those would-be thieves. Check to be sure that all doors and ground-level windows are secured for the night. It’s also a good idea to install dawn-to-dusk lighting or motion detectors – especially at the rear of your property. Light discourages crime, and automatic LED bulbs are inexpensive and readily available at most hardware and home improvement stores.