With summer vacations approaching and residents spending more time away from home, Alberta RCMP are reminding property owners to take simple but effective steps to deter yard thefts and residential break-ins.
The call comes as part of a seasonal push for awareness, after 3,940 residential break-and-enters were reported in RCMP jurisdictions across Alberta in 2024 — including 367 incidents in June alone.
“These are often crimes of opportunity,” said the RCMP in a Tuesday news release. “The more barriers you put in place, the less appealing your home becomes to would-be thieves.”
Mounties are encouraging residents to adopt Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles — a set of strategies proven to reduce crime by modifying the built environment.
Tips include:
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Lighting: Install motion-sensor lights at all entry points.
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Sightlines: Keep trees and bushes trimmed to remove hiding spots near windows, garages and fences.
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Gates and locks: Keep yard gates locked and always secure sheds, garages and outbuildings.
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Windows and alarms: Close curtains when you’re away, lock windows, and consider a monitored alarm system, especially for seasonal properties.
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Storage: Keep valuables like barbecues, bikes and tools out of plain sight.
RCMP said community reporting is also a crucial piece of the puzzle. Officers rely on tips from the public to target patrols, identify suspects, and prevent further crime.
“If you discover a crime on your property, report it immediately,” police said. “It helps us know where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol.”
Suspicious activity can be reported to local RCMP detachments. In an emergency, residents are urged to call 911. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or via the P3 Tips app.
For more safety advice, follow @RCMPinAlberta on Facebook, @RCMPAlberta on X (formerly Twitter), or visit their YouTube channel at RCMP-GRC Alberta.