With a change in season, many Albertans are closing in their seasonal properties for the year, and the RCMP has some advice on how to keep them from being targeted during the owners' prolonged absence.
A media release notes that so far in 2024, 348 seasonal properties have fallen victim to break-and-enters, an eight per cent increase from 2023.
"The off-season tends to be when these incidents occur the most, as there are less people around and less chances of being discovered quickly," notes the release.
To help reduce the chances of being targetted, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Take home all valuables, including expensive tools and electronics, and properly lock up anything left behind. Consider posting signage that states all valuables have been removed.
- Put away any outdoor furniture.
- Make sure all doors, windows, gates, and outbuildings are secured.
- If you have a hunting property, always ensure that your firearms or any other hunting equipment is properly stored and secured, even inside a locked property.
- If storing off-highway vehicles, empty all gas from the tank and block the vehicle so it cannot be easily removed from the premise.
- Trim shrubs and trees to create clear sight lines
- Install timers on interior lights to give the illusion the property isn’t vacant.
- Install exterior motion sensor lights at entrances, sheds, or out-buildings.
- Try to visit your property regularly, clear snow off paths to give the illusion of use, and inspect for any damages or thefts, so they can be reported in a timely manner
- Installing security cameras and an alarm system let's you monitor your property from a distance and is a deterrent to thieves
The RCMP also has a YouTube page, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design where more tips can be found, or follow the RCMP on social media.
"Your Alberta RCMP encourages everyone to report any suspicious activity to police. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911," concludes the release.