Tuesday 24 September 2013

Cottage Country Vandalism and Thefts

It's a horrible time of year when cottages are vulnerable. Summer residents have gone back to their city homes. Schools are in full motion. Those who would prey on empty cottages begin to avail themselves of items they have not bought, earned, nor deserve.

There are companies who are hired to protect their clients' cottages. We always had a neighbour who lived near our 3-bedroom cottage. She walked her dog regularly and kept an eye out for us. The only thing that happened to us, the 50 years we had our cottage, was a partridge that flew into our front picture window!

Truthfully, most cottages don't
contain expensive items. Most people juggle the taxes on an old family cottage, to get out of the big city. Cottages are the place for board games, fun, swimming, and just hanging out. For many, they may have snowmobiles. They, too, are susceptible to theft.

Most people realize that they are only 'things' that are damaged. But it is an insult and a violation.
Westport was hit, as was Big Rideau Lake. Fishing rods. The theft of an expensive guitar tells us that the perpetrators knew of the Gibson 335 guitar's value ($4000).

OPP INVESTIGATING BREAK INS ON BIG RIDEAU LAKE

Rideau Ferry - On the 16th of September 2013 Ontario Provincial Police in Rideau Lakes Township responded to a call of a break in at a residence on R14. 
As well on the 25th of August 2013, O.P.P investigated a break in at a neighbouring cottage on R14 where several fishing rods were taken.
Then there are those who take out their anger with vandalism, for example, in Bracebridge.

Rash of overnight vandalism in Bracebridge

by Norah Fountain
Cars damaged, propane hoses cut, property stolen last night
Updated Sept. 18, 12.17pm: Stacey Prokopec of Bracebridge was one person victimized by vandals who wreaked havoc for some property owners in her South Wellington Street neighbourhood last night. She says her motorcycle was set on fire and completely destroyed at about 11:30 pm (September 17.). She describes more local damage...read more.
The Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is asking anyone who may have had property damaged last night to call them. Last night, several vehicles were damaged, propane hoses on BBQs were cut, and property was taken. The rash of vandalism and thefts are believed to be related.



10 comments:

Billy Blue Eyes said...

Vandals tend to point to someone who has it in for people with a second dwelling. Thefts seems to happen everywhere, It's the same in the UK I'm afraid

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to read your report about thieves breaking into cottages. Hopefully the police is arresting some of the burglars. I know here in Toronto we have our problems. But the neighbourhood watch is one way of keeping on eye on our neighbourhood.
Take care,
Gisela

Kay L. Davies said...

Dreadful. Too bad there aren't auxiliary police in September when they know these things will be happening.
K

Red said...

It's rather sad that things can not be left alone.

magiceye said...

The only way out seems to hire caretakers.

Hilary said...

That's disturbing and unnerving.

Christine said...

Just awful this vandalism, it's everywhere now.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari Om
Dreadful business. There are idiots of this kind every where, as Bill has pointed out. In OZ it is the summer beach 'hut' which is targeted.'

Am supposing that alarm systems in such properties would not be of great benefit... remoteness etc?

YAM xx

Powell River Books said...

Isn't that so sad. Fortunately up the lake vandalism is very minor, if at all. However, I can't say the same for Mother Nature. She is always stealing something from our deck when we aren't looking. We try to be very careful, but the winds will take what they want to take. - Margy

Kay said...

That is so darn awful. I'm afraid it goes on everywhere.