The Alberta RCMP says October is one of the highest months for B&Es to seasonal properties, and they are offering tips to make sure people don’t come back to their spot and find their things missing.
The provincial detachment says in October of last year, there were almost 50 break-ins at seasonal properties, and 400 break-ins at businesses.
While from January to August there’s been a 36 per cent decrease in seasonal properties being broken into, there’s been a 25 per cent increase in businesses broken into.
In an effort to shrink these numbers more, the RCMP says people should follow a lock-up routine and consider crime prevention through environmental design.
For locking up, they suggest a 9 PM routine. That means checking if doors are secure, alarms are on and valuables are away from the windows. Security cameras are also a good option the RCMP says, as even the presence of one can deter a criminal, and it could help identify the suspects if a crime is committed.
When it comes to crime prevention through environmental design, people should look at possibly installing metal doors, bars or roll shutters on windows, and a security system.
In the case of seasonal properties, people are encouraged to take home all valuables at the end of a season, and if they can, owners should occasionally check in on their property when they can.
Other tips include turning on lights and keeping property well-maintained to help deter a criminal.
The Alberta RCMP encourages the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police, so they can know where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future.
