Prevent Property Crime

Here in Alberta, we’ve seen a significant increase in property crime. It seems like as soon as the warm weather hits we experience a crime wave. Once a big city problem, property crime has come to small town and rural Alberta. Being proactive can save you from the emotional pain and financial loss of having possessions stolen or vandalized. Criminals will always pick the easy target, so don’t be that target:

• Close and lock doors and windows when you are not at home. Same for garage doors. If patio doors or windows don’t have locks insert something long like a broom handle or dowel into the window or door track so it can’t be slid open from the outside.
• Lock garden sheds and other storage with good quality locks that have a hidden shackle. For a few extra dollars, a hidden shackle lock will prevent thieves from using a bolt cutter to quickly gain access to your belongings.
• Secure and store things at home in your yard like bicycles and lawn mowers.
• Install timers on lights, a television, or the radio. Lights and sounds will deter most thieves.
• Consider getting an alarm system.
• Lock vehicles and consider getting a steering wheel lock like “The Club”.
• Don’t leave valuables visible. If you must leave things in your vehicle or RV put it out of sight.
• Park vehicles in well-lit areas overnight. If you are going away for an extended time park your vehicle in a garage. If you don’t have access to a garage consider putting it into storage, keeping a vehicle out of sight makes it a less likely target.
• Never leave a vehicle or house key in an obvious place like above the door frame of the home, under a flower pot, or under a mat.

These ideas may seem simple, but by making it harder for crooks to gain access to your possessions they will move on looking for an easier target. Stay safe and be sure to share any crime prevention tips you have in the comments section of this blog.
— Tamara Traub