Scroll down to see safety tips on how to protect your home, vehicle, business and rural property from theft and property crime.

Residential

  • Always lock the doors to your home and close your garage door—even when you are working in the back yard!
  • Change access codes regularly for your alarm system or keyless door locks.
  • Leave interior lighting on when out of the home.
  • Ensure doors have proper deadbolts & peep holes installed. Consider replacing standard 1" screws on your deadbolt strike plate to 3" screws to reduce the ability to "kick down" the door.
  • All entrances should be well lit using vandal resistant fixtures with LED bulbs, and/or install motion detection lights.
  • Window coverings should not block  natural surveillance and sightlines.
  • Disable your garage door during extended periods of absence.
  • All sheds, bicycles, and tools should be locked up.
  • Trees and shrubs are trimmed back or down. We recommend that tree canopies be trimmed up to 6' and bushes be cut down to 2' to reduce blind spots and hiding places.
  • Use defensive landscaping to prevent access to areas you don't want accessed.
  • Get into the #9PMRoutine promoted by the RCMP.
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Windows are covered with landscaping which obscures sightlines in and out of the property and provides coverage for basement window break-ins.
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The front door is covered and could provide hiding places. The door and basement windows are obstructed with landscaping, making them easier to break into undetected.
Get into the #9PMRoutine promoted by the RCMP.

Every night check your home and vehicles so that everything is locked for the night. It is easy to forget when your day is busy!

Vehicle & Parking Lots

  • Ensure vehicle windows are rolled up and doors are locked.
  • Remove or hide valuables out of sight including loose change, clothing, empty cans & bottles!
  • Remove or hide your garage door opener.
  • Keep your registration & insurance in a safe place—not in the glove compartment.
  • NEVER leave your vehicle unattended while it is running—even if it is just for a minute!
  • Use locking devises such as steering wheel clubs, or hitch and tire locks for trailers.
  • Park in well-lit areas.
  • Always be alert to your surroundings. 

Business or Commercial

  • Ensure promotional posters do not block sightlines into and out of the windows.
  • Change access codes regularly for your alarm system.
  • Entrances should be well lit using vandal resistant fixtures with LED bulbs.
  • Outer buildings are locked.
  • Company & staff vehicles are locked & all valuables and tools removed.
  • Building supplies and maintenance equipment are stored so as not to create “ladders” to access your property.
  • Trees and shrubs are trimmed so they do not create blind spots or hiding places.
  • Utilize defensive landscaping to prevent access to areas you do not want accessed.
  • Remove graffiti is removed from your property promptly to decrease the chances of being re-tagged.
  • Consider shared security patrol services with neighbouring businesses.

Rural Property

In 2017 the police-reported crime rate in rural areas of Prairie Provinces 36 to 42% higher than urban areas according to Stats Canada. Here are some tips for rural property owners:
  • The best thing you can do when you buy something is record the serial numbers, model numbers, colour and descriptors. Having photos “can be invaluable. Or use a Trace pen for identifying your property.
  • While it may seem obvious, the RCMP stress locking doors to buildings and vehicles and keeping valuables out of site.
  • If possible, put up cameras for valuables and place 'No Trespassing' signs at gates and entrances in the property, which allow police to lay trespassing tickets or charges.
  • For those taking a trip, make sure that a neighbour or friend are checking on your property often, and have well lit areas, or motion lights that can serve to deter a potential thief.
  • Chat with neighbours about who can access your property and let them know if there’s anyone who shouldn’t be there.
  • If suspicious vehicles or people seem to be taking an extra look at the property, try to take note of licence plates and descriptions and report the incident right away. The sooner something is reported, the better chances of finding evidence.
  • Do not touch anything if you do experience property crime and call the RCMP.
  • Join the Alberta Rural Crime Watch Association for your area. They offer valuable information and resources to help protect your property.
The above safety tips utilize CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design) principles.