The Saskatchewan RCMP says break-and-enter numbers in its jurisdiction have remained mostly stable from 2023 to 2024 — but with a noteworthy shift: while overall incidents increased very slightly, break-ins to homes are actually down.
According to a media release this week, break-and-enters rose by just 2 per cent year-over-year. The increase was primarily driven by property crimes involving non-residential locations, including sheds, outbuildings, and abandoned houses.
Residential break-ins, by contrast, dropped by 15 per cent over the past decade, with more than 300 fewer households impacted today than ten years ago.
“If there is one place that people want to feel safe, it is within their own homes,” said Staff Sergeant Jill McLaren, who leads the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Unit. “Although break-ins may not cause physical harm, they are violating and intrusive.”
McLaren emphasized that even with the long-term decline, break-ins to residences remain the most common type of property crime across Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdictions.
“Though we can’t speculate on the cause of this decrease,” she added, “staying alert and reporting suspicious activity can make a difference. Every tip helps officers better understand crime patterns and respond more effectively.”
The RCMP pointed to a recent case in Swift Current where public reporting played a key role. A string of rural property break-ins in June led to an investigation that resulted in two arrests — following which police laid more than 80 charges against the pair. Further investigation linked the same individuals to residential break-ins in the Maple Creek area.
RCMP tips to prevent break-ins:
- Install security systems or motion-sensor lights.
- Lock all doors and windows, even when at home.
- Make homes look occupied when away — avoid posting vacation details online.
- Keep valuables out of sight, and do not leave spare keys in obvious locations.
- Clear brush and trees for better sightlines on the property.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity or becomes a victim of property crime is urged to report to the RCMP by calling 310-RCMP or using the RCMP’s Online Crime Reporting tool. Anonymous tips can be submitted via Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or saskcrimestoppers.com.
More statistical data on rural crime is available through the Saskatchewan RCMP annual crime statistics and trends page and Statistics Canada.