As winter approaches many Albertans are closing their properties for a longer period.
According to an RCMP news release, there have been 348 break-and-enters to seasonal properties and cottages this year across the province.
"This is an 8 per cent increase from the previous year. The off-season tends to be when these incidents occur the most, as there are less people around and less chances of being discovered quickly," wrote RCMP.
The RCMP also provided updated numbers for Strathmore and Wheatland County.
Seasonal break-and-enters from January to September of 2024:
- Strathmore Provincial: 2
- Strathmore Municipal: 0
- Wheatland County: 3
Total break-and-enters from January to September of 2024:
- Strathmore Provincial: 51
- Strathmore Municipal: 20
- Wheatland County:20
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The RCMP laid out a few helpful tips to keep properties safe during the off-season.
Tips:
- Take home valuables like tools and electronics, and post signage that says valuables have been removed.
- Put away outdoor furniture.
- Ensure doors, windows, and gates are secured.
- Make sure firearms or other hunting equipment is stored and secured.
- Empty gas from the tank of off-highway vehicles so it can't be removed.
- Trim shrubs and trees to make sight lines.
- Install timers on inside lights to show the property isn't vacant.
- Install outside motion sensor lights at entrances, sheds, or outbuildings.
- Make a visit to the property and clear snow paths. Also, check out any damage or thefts to be reported later.
- Install a security camera and an alarm system to monitor the property.
Residents can call Strathmore RCMP at 403-934-3968 if they see a crime happening in their area. They can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) to remain anonymous.