Alberta RCMP offering tips to prevent seasonal property crime

With the days getting shorter and colder, Alberta RCMP are offering tips to help you avoid seasonal property crime.

Mounties say property crimes are often crimes of opportunity and tend to occur when there are less people around.

The Alberta RCMP encourages property owners to take the following precautions:

• Store off-road vehicles out of sight, ideally in a locked garage, shed, or storage unit. Empty fuel tanks when possible and use physical barriers, such as fencing or wheel clamps, to make vehicles more difficult to remove.
• Secure farm equipment in locked buildings. Use wheel clamps or remove batteries when equipment is not in use, and keep keys in a separate, secure location. Maintain a record of serial numbers and equipment descriptions, and consider marking equipment with identifying information, such as your postal code in a discreet location.
• Remove valuables from seasonal properties, including expensive tools and electronics. Securely lock any items that must remain on site and consider posting signage indicating that valuables have been removed.
• Store outdoor furniture and other portable items indoors.
• Ensure all doors, windows, gates, and outbuildings are properly secured before leaving the property unattended.
• If storing firearms or hunting equipment, ensure they are secured in accordance with applicable legislation and regulations.
• Consider installing security cameras, motion-activated lighting, and GPS trackers on high-value equipment.