Summer Is Prime Time for Home Break-Ins — Here’s How to Protect Your Property

Did you know most home break-ins occur during the summer months?

In Canada, a home break-in or burglary occurs approximately every 90 seconds, with most incidents taking place between 10 AM and 3 PM — when many homeowners are away at work, running errands, or travelling.

How Intruders Typically Gain Access

Many break-ins happen simply because criminals find an easy opportunity. Here’s how intruders most commonly enter homes:

• 25% occur because a door or window was left unlocked

• 34% enter through the front door

• 23% enter through a first-floor window

• 22% enter through the back door

What’s even more surprising is that only about 12% of break-ins are carefully planned. Most are crimes of opportunity.

Signs That Make a Home Look Vacant

Statistics show that homes are more likely to be targeted when they appear unoccupied. Common warning signs include:

• Overgrown grass or untidy gardens

• Deliveries or packages left outside

• Lights left on during the daytime

• Garbage bins left out for extended periods

• Lack of vehicle or activity around the property

Even small details can signal that no one is home.

Simple Ways to Stay Off the Radar

A few preventative measures can go a long way in protecting your home:

• Use timers or smart systems to control indoor lighting

• Install a two-way video doorbell to communicate with visitors or delivery drivers remotely

• Use a secure parcel box or bench to keep packages out of sight

• Ask a neighbour, friend, or family member to maintain your home’s appearance while you’re away

• Install motion-sensor lighting around entrances and walkways

• During winter months, arrange for snow removal — untouched snow and empty driveways are clear signs a property may be vacant

Seasonal & Cottage Properties Are Especially Vulnerable

While there is no single official Ontario-wide “summer home break-in rate,” police, insurers, and cottage associations consistently report that cottages and seasonal homes are at significantly higher risk when left vacant for extended periods.

Insurance data from Aviva Canada shows residential burglaries increase during the summer months:

• June: 4–13% above average

• July: 9–20% above average

• August: 20–31% above average

The Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA) also notes that cottages are particularly vulnerable during the off-season, especially from late fall through early spring.

Why Seasonal Properties Become Targets

Cottages and vacation homes are often easier for criminals to access because they typically have:

• Longer vacancy periods

• Isolated locations

• Delayed reporting of suspicious activity

• Fewer nearby witnesses

  
  

Commonly Stolen Items From Ontario Cottages

Police reports frequently cite the theft of:

• ATVs and snowmobiles

• Boat motors

• Tools and generators

• Electronics

• Alcohol

• Fishing and hunting equipment

Highest-Risk Times for Cottage Break-Ins

The most common periods for break-ins include:

1. Summer weekends when primary residences are empty

2. Fall closing season after Labour Day or Thanksgiving

3. Winter/off-season when cottages sit vacant for months

Recommended Cottage Security Measures

Police and insurance providers commonly recommend:

• Monitored alarm systems

• Visible security cameras

• Timers and automated lighting

• Regular neighbour or property checks

• Avoiding vacation posts on social media

• Removing or securing high-value portable items

  
  

A little preparation can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of theft and protecting your home or seasonal property year-round.