By rdnewsNOW staff

Crime Prevention Tips

RCMP encourage residents to squash seasonal crime this fall

Oct 12, 2023 | 9:38 AM

With many Albertans closing up their seasonal properties for the year, Mounties remind residents that when winterizing your property, it’s important to keep crime prevention in mind.

In 2022, Alberta RCMP note 386 reported break and enters to seasonal properties in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions. While July had the most reports (42), January and December each had 41 reports.

While Mounties have seen a decrease so far this year, in comparison to previous years, they would like to remind Albertans of some of the ways they can continue to keep their properties safe.

Some good crime prevention habits are:

• Taking home all valuables, including expensive tools, and properly locking up anything left behind.
• Making sure sheds and garages are locked, along with all windows and doors.
• If storing off-highway vehicles (OHVs), empty all gas from the tank and block the vehicle so it is not easily removed from the premise.
• Installing security cameras and an alarm let’s you monitor your property from a distance and is a deterrent to thieves.
• Trim any shrubs or bushes to ensure clear sight lines to deter opportunistic thieves.
• Clear any snow around the property to give the illusion is some is there.

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If possible, periodically checking on your property allows you to ensure nothing is amiss, say RCMP. If your property isn’t cared for, it’s easier for a crime to go undetected and unreported.

For the month of October, follow #SeasonalSafety for more safety tips and follow our social media accounts on Facebook (@RCMPinAlberta), Twitter (@RCMPAlberta) and YouTube (RCMP-GRC Alberta).

RCMP encourage the public to report any suspicious activity to police. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.