Fish House Safety

Each year there are storiesabout fish houses being robbed across Minnesota lakes. For my non Minnesotan readers, a fish house is what we sit in each winter as we fish through holes in the ice. There are whole communities set up on some of the lakes.

With the number of burglaries, I think it's important to keep in mind the following recommendations from the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association:

• Mark your property with Operation ID. You can sign up through your local police department.•
• Mount door hinges inside or use hinge pins to prevent removal.•
• Install a deadbolt, if possible.Cover windows to conceal the contents and valuables inside your fish house.
• Windows should be locked small enough that they can not be crawled through.and going from their fish house.
• Communicate with your fishing neighbors. Find out who they are and who should be coming
• Report any suspicious activity while it is occurring.
• Get a good description of the suspect, vehicle, and direction of travel.
• Know your location on the ice so you can be found quickly.

It important to not make it easy. If it's kids or less professional criminals they are less likely to take the time to get in a well protected house. So have fun, but think safety.