The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) are advising the public to be more vigilant in protecting their valuables especially during the festive time. Burglary continues to be a major issue and priority for the RTCIPF and now that the festive time has arrived and the evenings are getting darker earlier – this often leads to an increase in burglaries.
The RTCIPF are launching an anti burglary marketing campaign, which will run from now to the end of January, to encourage everyone to think about their home security.
The campaign is titled ‘It Only Takes a Minute’ as it only takes a minute to lock your doors and windows but it is also the same amount of time that it could take a burglar to enter your house and steal your belongings.
The key messages of the campaign are:
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Traditionally there is an increase in burglary around the festive time.
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It only takes a minute to lock your doors and windows to secure your home.
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It only takes a minute to hide valuables out of view.
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It only takes a minute for a burglar to enter your property and steal valuable belongings if your doors or windows are unlocked.
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You should keep doors and windows locked, even when you are in the house and when you get home. Try to change your habit if you don’t lock your door behind you.
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Door chimes, burglar alarms and CCTV will deter a burglar from entering your property.
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Check that existing security, such as alarms and external lights, are working and use them to protect your home.
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Being a victim of burglary can have both emotional and financial effects. High value goods are costly to replace if stolen, and items such as phones and cameras often hold information with sentimental value such as photos, which cannot be replaced.
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Don’t leave garden tools or furniture outside, as they can be used by burglars to enter your property.
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Dispose of packaging for expensive items properly; don’t advertise what is in your house.
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Consider downloading free tracking software for items such as laptops or mobile phones.
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Mark your property and record serial numbers.
If you have any information about any criminal activity, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.