As temperatures rise and more residents spend time outdoors, the Estevan Police Service (EPS) is encouraging the public to take simple steps to reduce their risk of becoming a victim of crime.
Inspector Tyler McMillen said summer often leads to an uptick in crimes of opportunity, particularly thefts from yards, vehicles and porches.
“With the nice weather, there are a lot more people out on bikes and on foot, coming and going from different activities or gatherings. We spend more time outside, and often that means there’s more stuff left out in lawns and yards.”
Unattended items such as bicycles and sports equipment are frequently targeted. McMillen urged residents to lock up their belongings or store them out of sight.
“Those are easy crimes for criminals, especially if they’re walking around at night. If you can lock them up or put them away, it takes away the temptation.”
He also emphasized the importance of locking vehicles and hiding valuables, such as golf clubs or baseball gear, that might otherwise be left in plain view.
In terms of prevention tools, McMillen said security cameras can be an effective deterrent. “There are lots of easy options people can add to the exterior of their home and around their yard. For locks, contacting a local locksmith is a great way to get advice on more secure options.”
When it comes to suspicious activity, McMillen advised residents to trust their instincts.
“Ninety-nine percent of the time, if your gut is telling you something’s off, it generally is. Call the police. We’ll send a car by and check it out. It helps us map where our hotspots are and where we need to focus patrols, including with our bike unit.”
With online shopping on the rise, McMillen also warned about package thefts from porches.
“If you have good neighbours, ask them to move the package out of sight. Or try to pick it up during a lunch break. The key is removing that temptation as soon as possible.”
Backyards, sheds, and garages are also common targets. McMillen noted that many thefts happen in under 20 seconds when doors are left unlocked.
“In a city this size, a lot of thefts are just people walking up and trying door handles. So, take the time to close that garage door and lock things up. A few extra seconds can make all the difference.”