BOYLE – Sunny days are on the horizon, and with their arrival the Boyle RCMP are expecting an increase in both property crime, and motorcycle activity — much like the similarities in ice cream sales and murder rates, correlation does not always equal causation.
“Everyone’s bringing their bikes out, they’re getting used to the highways again and motorists aren’t always looking for motorcyclists,” said Boyle RCMP Sgt. Dennis Properzi.
In a pair of public safety-focused press releases April 22, Properzi and the rest of the Boyle RCMP detachment urged the public to “mind the motorcycles,” and respect the rules of the road while everyone is out and about driving.
“From my experience, there’s been collisions because there’s not enough distance,” said Properzi. “People need to give them more distance from vehicles so they can stand out more.”
Properzi added there are three main things motorists can do while driving to keep bikers in mind: look out for bikes at intersections and while turning left, give motorcycles adequate space, and avoid occupying another vehicle’s blind-spot when travelling.
“Many collisions involving motorcycles are avoidable by keeping a heightened sense of your surroundings while you’re riding,” said Properzi. “Paying attention to what is behind you is as important as knowing what is happening in front of you.”
Keep your property safe this summer
With the weather warming up, many families are eager to return to a seasonal cabin at one of the region’s many lakes for some R&R after the winter months. Properzi said the season can also be an opportunity for thieves who are on the lookout for properties that have been left empty and unsecured while an owner goes back to town for a few days.
“Whether it's canoes, kayaks, boats, all that type of recreational property, if you aren’t going to be there for a prolonged period of time take preventative measure to lock stuff,” said Properzi. “We take it for granted that most people are going to be honest and leave our stuff alone, but the reality is that if something can be carried out, people are going to carry it out.”
The Boyle RCMP provided seven steps to secure property while you’re away this summer. Avoid mentioning your travel plans on social media until you return and keep your valuables in a safe or a safety deposit box. If you’re going to be gone for an extended time, arrange for yard maintenance and make sure you have a plan for your mail — either pause it with the post office, or ask a friend or relative to collect it for you while you’re away.
Lock all your doors and windows, and install timers on interior and exterior lights, which can give a home an occupied feel for potential thieves. If a property does not have a monitored security system, consider having one installed by a professional — Properzi said it can assist in deterring break-ins and can aid police response.
Finally, Properzi said if you do think that your property was broken into, call the police.
“If you think someone was or may be on your property, hang tight, call the police, and let us check it out,” said Properzi. “We’ll clear it, make sure its safe and there’s no one on scene. If there is someone on scene, we don’t people going in and engaging in that risk.”
