THUNDER BAY -- Following an incident on Tuesday that saw a homeowner restrain a break and enter suspect in his own home, Thunder Bay Police are advising the public to always put personal safety first.
“Because you are dealing with an unknown person, you never know what their motivation for being inside your house is,” said Thunder Bay Police spokesperson, Julie Tilbury. “A lot of time we find people who are in a time of crisis, maybe out looking for money whether it’s for addictions or whatever other issues they could be dealing with.”
“People can be unpredictable,” Tilbury continued. “You don’t know if they have a weapon on them. And because they are not known, you don’t know what their abilities are or what their motivations are.”
On Tuesday morning, Thunder Bay Police were called to a Shuniah Street home for a report of a break-in. A 21-year-old Thunder Bay man attempted to break into the home but was surprised by the homeowner, who then restrained him before calling the police.
“In this particular incident, the homeowner took action that he felt was appropriate for the incident,” Tilbury said. “The police always remind the public that you never know who you are going to be dealing with. Everyone has a different perception of their abilities to handle a situation.”
According to Tilbury, a homeowner does have the right to protect themselves, their family, and their property. But she reminds the public that personal safety should always come first.
“In your own home, you have to do what you feel is best,” she said. “We really recommend that personal safety is the first and foremost thing you should take into account. Property can be replaced, but someone’s welfare cannot.”
