As we enter the spring and summer seasons, the Alberta RCMP want to urge homeowners to consider Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles when planning their home renovations and seasonal maintenance projects.
CPTED is a set of design principles that aim to reduce opportunities for crime to take place. Making recommended adjustments to a home or business can deter criminals by making it more difficult or less desirable to commit the crime. It can also make you feel safer.
Here are some things to consider when renovating your property:
- Trim your trees and shrubs – Trimming the bottoms of trees allow clear sight lines from inside your house to the curb or edge of the property. In addition, keeping your bushes and shrubs short removes potential hiding places.
- Lighting – Consider installing LED or motion sensor lights around your property. Ensuring your house is adequately lit at night deters criminals for fear of being seen. Solar powered lights are a great option to light up the most remote places on your property. Also leaving lights on in the house when away can provide the illusion that someone is home.
- Cameras – Install exterior cameras around your property. Even the perception of someone watching can be enough to deter a crime.
- Lock up your outdoor valuables – After a long day of yard work, store your lawn mower and other tools in a locked shed or garage and out of sight.
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