Whitecourt RCMP is recommending additional steps residents can take to secure their homes, businesses or properties as temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten.
The RCMP say shorter days and longer evenings offer criminals more opportunities to operate undetected, prompting property crime to garages, vehicles, sheds, seasonal homes and businesses.
Residents are encouraged to take the following steps to improve their property’s resilience to crime:
• Complete a security walk-around of all seasonal properties, outbuildings, and stored vehicles.
• Remove keys and valuables for storage in a secure location.
• Lock any windows and doors in vehicles and buildings.
• Keep properties, including walkways and driveways well lit.
• Record serial numbers and receipts for tools, recreational vehicles and equipment for recovery and insurance purposes in the case they are stolen.
• Consider installing a video surveillance system and motion-activated lighting on your home or business.
Whitecourt RCMP also recommends getting to know your neighbours and looking out for one another by reporting suspicious activity to the police.
