Winnipeg police said arson cases tend to increase as the weather warms up. Officers released tips on protecting against arson cases by taking steps that include:
- Reporting discarded furniture or other large garbage items to 311.
- Avoid placing bins, garbage or other combustible items against the exterior of your home, garage, shed or fence. These are a ready supply of fuel for an arsonist.
- Placing your new garbage / recycling containers out in the morning on the day of pickup (before 7:00 A.M. but not the night before). Secure them in a safe place on your property as soon as possible after collection.
- Cleaning up overgrown shrubs and trees. They also can be a source of fuel for an arsonist.
- Not leaving flammable liquids in the open. (Ensure proper storage of flammable material. I.E. gas cans, propane tanks)
- Ensuring that your house, garage and shed are well secured and that exterior lighting be maintained. I.E. motion sensor lights.
- Removing abandoned vehicles.
- Organizing or participating in the Citizens on Patrol Program or Neighborhood Watch Programs.
- Speaking with your neighbors and encourage each other to contact police if anything suspicious is observed. (Source: Winnipeg Police Service)
More information and a copy of the Community Arson Prevention – Home Audit is available by calling Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) at 204‐985‐8849 or by visiting the Winnipeg police’s website at:
