Strathcona County, Alta. – As winter approaches and the days grow shorter, the Strathcona County RCMP encourage homeowners to consider Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to help protect their homes and properties throughout the winter season.
Strathcona County RCMP would like to take this time to remind the public of the following CPTED tips:
- Lighting: Ensure your yard is well lit. Consider installing motion sensor lights at all entryways.
- Sightlines: Keep clear sightlines to yards, garages, and entry points so criminals have no where to hide. Make sure trees and bushes aren’t overgrown, creating a cover for a potential thief.
- Gates: A locked gate can help deter a criminal who may not want to waste time trying to get past it.
- Windows: Keep windows covered and locked when you’re not home. An empty house is a criminal’s playground.
- Alarms: Consider installing a security system, especially on seasonal properties or if you travel often. This will help ensure that if anything does happen to your property, authorities will be alerted immediately.
- Vehicles: Keep your vehicles locked and remove any valuables from them. If possible, park any ATVs or other seasonal vehicles out of sight.
Homeowners are also encouraged to avoid sharing upcoming vacation or travel plans on social media until they have returned home, as these posts can inadvertently alert others that a property is unoccupied. Residents are reminded to report any suspicious activity to police to help keep their neighbourhoods safe.
“Strathcona County RCMP is committed to working alongside community partners to enhance public safety,” says Constable Cheri-Lee Smith, Strathcona County RCMP Public Information Officer. “Through CPTED principles, proactive policing and community collaboration, we all have a role to play in preventing crime and keeping our communities safe.”
To learn more about preventing seasonal property crime, follow Alberta RCMP on Facebook (@RCMPinAlberta) and X (@RCMPAlberta).
