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By rdnewsNOW staff

NEARLY 7,000 BREAK AND ENTERS REPORTED IN 2020

Alberta RCMP recommend safety tips to protect against property crime

Apr 6, 2021 | 12:06 PM

EDMONTON – The Alberta RCMP urges homeowners to consider Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles when planning home renovation and property maintenance projects this spring and summer.

In 2020, there were 6,978 Break and Enters to homes, outbuildings, and cottages, an 18% decrease from the same time in 2019 which had 8,517. While homeowners who are now working or spending more time at home may feel a greater sense of security, implementing some simple changes around their property could see this positive decrease continue.

CPTED is a set of principles meant to reduce crime through the consideration of the design of a physical environment to ensure a property is protected. The purpose of CPTED is to make recommended adjustments to a home or business property to make yards and buildings less appealing to criminals. It is important to remember that crime tends to occur where there are easy access points and reduced visibility. With the change of seasons now enabling people to be more active in maintenance and renovation projects for homes and yards, this is an ideal time to look at ways to create a safer environment.

Some safety tips that can help with crime reduction:

· Lighting – Visibility and being seen is a deterrent for criminals so it is worth installing LED or motion sensor lights in dark corners or key areas around your property;

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· Visibility – Good surveillance includes having clear sight lines from inside your house to the curb or edge of your property as well as through trimmed trees and foliage;

· Locks – Keeping doors and windows locked is good practice with deadbolt locks recommended for the strongest protection on doors;

· Fences – Having a perimeter fence or border (even a hedge or shrubbery) with a closed gate helps to create a property barrier that helps establish a boundary.

For more tips and information, visit the Alberta RCMP CPTED video playlist on YouTube.

Follow our social media accounts on Twitter @RCMPAlberta, Facebook @RCMPinAlberta, YouTube @RCMP-GRC Alberta, and check out #CPTED online for more tips.

RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.