MARIGOT--The Gendarmerie in St. Martin has noticed in recent weeks an increase in burglaries to private homes, where there have not been instances of damage or breaking in. It offered the following tips to protect one’s home:
Close and lock your home even if you are only away for a few moments; equip your front door with a reliable locking system and include a peephole fixture; do not leave your keys under the mat, in the mailbox, or in a flowerpot but give them to a trusted person; do not leave large amounts of money, gold or jewellery in your home; do not write your names and addresses on your keychain; don't leave a ladder, tools, or scaffolding in the garden as they offer ways to get inside your home; and do not leave valuables visible through windows.
In case of your absence tell family, friends, and neighbours; report your extended absences to the Gendarmerie brigade responsible for Operation Tranquillity Vacation; have a neighbourhood watch to detect possible burglars and check suspect vehicle license plates; protect windows on your house with shutters or grills or reinforce them; use passive detection devices such as motion lights, audible alarms, or video protection cameras.
If you are a victim of a burglary, do not touch anything and dial 17 to report it. Vigilance and adhering to these few common-sense rules will help to reduce the number of burglaries. Do not hesitate to report anything suspicious to the Gendarmerie.
