As Airdrie residents freshen up their yards, local RCMP are urging them to think beyond flowers and fencing — saying small design tweaks can help deter thieves.
The detachment is promoting a strategy called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, or CPTED, which focuses on lighting, sightlines and access control to reduce opportunities for crime.
"By making smart, cost-effective changes to your property, you can reduce opportunities for crime and enhance your overall safety," the Airdrie RCMP said in a June 6 media release.
Mounties suggest walking your property and looking for simple upgrades, starting with visibility. That includes trimming overgrown trees and bushes, keeping shrubs below window height, and maintaining clear sightlines to doors and entry points.
They also recommend locking up tools, ladders and lawn equipment, using fencing or natural barriers like thorny plants to define boundaries, and avoiding tall privacy fences or solid walls that block visibility.
Lighting plays a key role. RCMP suggest installing LED or motion-sensor lights around doors, driveways and dark corners of the property. Solar-powered options can help light up areas without wiring access, and fixtures should be placed high enough to prevent tampering.
Homeowners are also encouraged to keep expensive items out of sight from the street, use high-quality padlocks and deadbolts on exterior structures, and ensure their house number is clearly visible for emergency responders.
Residents are further encouraged to join or start a community watch group to keep neighbours informed and engaged.
Earlier this month, the Alberta RCMP issued a province-wide reminder about yard theft and break-and-enters, noting that 3,940 residential break-ins were reported in RCMP jurisdiction in 2024 — 367 of them in June alone.
Like their Airdrie counterparts, Alberta RCMP are urging residents to take simple steps to secure their properties and reduce opportunity for crime. Additional tips include locking backyard gates, covering and securing windows when away from home, and installing security systems — especially on seasonal properties or for those who travel frequently.
CPTED is an internationally recognized crime prevention model based on using physical design to discourage criminal activity and promote security, the Alberta RCMP said.
The force also reminded residents to report suspicious activity. "Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future," Alberta RCMP said in their release.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM.
DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app.
Best Western Hotels and Resorts