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Alberta RCMP are reminding residents to secure their homes and yards as more people prepare to travel or spend time away from home this summer.
According to police, there were 3,940 residential break and enters in RCMP jurisdictions across the province in 2024. Of those, 367 occurred in June.
RCMP say many property crimes are crimes of opportunity and recommend homeowners follow principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), an international security framework.
Suggested steps include keeping yards well lit using motion-sensor lighting, trimming overgrown bushes and trees to preserve sightlines, and locking all gates, garages and sheds. Officers also recommend keeping windows covered and locked when away, storing valuables out of sight, and installing security systems, particularly at seasonal properties.
"An empty house is a criminal's playground," the RCMP said in a June 3 news release.
RCMP encourage residents to report any suspicious or criminal activity to local police. Incidents in progress should be reported via 911. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.P3Tips.com.
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