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CRIME

Redcliff RCMP provide tips to keep businesses safe after increase of break and enters

Feb 7, 2025 | 12:25 PM

Redcliff RCMP have noticed an increase in break and enters to both residences and business over the last couple of months.

Staff Sergeant Michael Corty says that in Redcliff and Cypress County they saw approximately 52 break-and-enters to business locations specifically last year, and there are a few steps you can take to avoid being a target.

“If you keep your property kind of tidy and clean, have lights that light up your property, your business, your entrances, keep all your valuables inside, kind of locked up or hidden, any vehicles that are stored on site, keep the keys away from them, keep the vehicles locked, it tends to prevent some of the thefts that we see from businesses,” Corty said.

“One of the tips that we’d like to give to business owners and the public, having an alarm system really helps us get notification early that there’s something going on,” he adds.

“We can go out and check it out, and if they have good CCTV systems, that can help us identify who’s responsible and get those people held accountable for what they’re doing.”

Corty said the amount of break-and-enters fluctuates throughout the year and goes in waves, with tools and equipment stolen in many instances from businesses.

Across the province there were reports of 4,460 break in enters at businesses.

Corty said that having tracking devices on tool or equipment have helped police recently locate and recover property, and make arrests.

The full list of safety tips for business owners from Redcliff RCMP include:

  • Install bright, motion-activated lights around entrances, parking lots and dark corners.
  • Keep landscaping trimmed and eliminate hiding spots new windows and doors.
  • Install deadbolts, strike plates, and shatter resistant glass in doors and windows.
  • Use sturdy fences or barriers to define property boundaries and deter trespassers.
  • Ensure back alleys, loading docks, or storage areas are visible and not neglected.
  • Keep cash, electronics, and other valuables in safes, or out of sight when the business is not in operation.
  • Fix broken windows, fences, or lighting immediately to deter vandalism.
  • Use CCTV to monitor entrances, exits, and high-risk areas.
  • Keep windows clear of clutter or posters to allow visibility inside and outside the business.
  • Use alarm systems with motion detection and notification alerts of unauthorized access.

Additional crime reduction tips can be found on the RCMP social media accounts on Facebook and X.