(supplied/RCMP on Twitter @RCMPAlberta)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

secure seasonal properties

RCMP reminds you to protect your things this spooky season

Oct 8, 2021 | 3:15 PM

Alberta RCMP are urging property owners to consider Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) this season.

Mounties say October is one of the highest months for break-and-enters, so seasonal properties and cabin owners are encouraged to consider CPTED when closing up their properties for the winter.

Business owners are also encouraged to consider implementing CPTED principles before the cold weather arrives which can make new installations more difficult.

Stats (RCMP jurisdiction 2020)

• Over 460 reports of B&Es to seasonal properties for the year.
• Over 4,700 reports of B&Es to businesses for the year.
• In October there were almost 50 B&Es to seasonal properties
• In October there were close to 400 B&Es to businesses

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

28m ago

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

5h ago

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

6h ago

Stats 2021 (Alberta RCMP jurisdiction year-to-date January-August)

• 207 B&Es to seasonal properties which is a 36 per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2020.
• 2,465 B&Es to businesses which is a 25 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2020.

In an effort to curb break-ins during the fall and winter months, Alberta RCMP is providing these tips:

• Safeguard your business by making sure your doors are locked and alarm system is set at the end of the day.
• Trick or treat yourself to a security camera. Just the presence of a camera could deter a thief and it can help identify them if they do commit a crime.
• When locking up your cabin, taking home all valuables at the end of the season is as easy as pumpkin pie.
• Make sure to follow a routine when it’s the witching hour. Did you set the alarm? Are all the doors locked? Are all valuables away from the windows?
• Don’t wait until tomb-morrow to think about crime prevention. Things as simple as turning on lights, keeping your property well-maintained, and locking doors can help deter a criminal.
• Locking up your cabin for the season? It’s not a bat idea to periodically check on it to make sure nothing is amiss. If your property isn’t cared for, it’s easier for a crime to go undetected and unreported.
• When packing up for the season, make sure to leave your cabin as bare bones as possible. Take home valuables and lock up anything you leave behind.
• Consider installing metal doors, bars or roll shutters on windows, and a security system. It can be bone chilling knowing your property might be susceptible to a break-in!

Follow them on Facebook (@RCMPinAlberta), Twitter (@RCMPAlberta) and #SeasonalSafety (for the month of October) for more tips on keeping your property safe.

Alberta RCMP encourages the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police. Reports tell them 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.