If you're looking for ways to keep your property safe the RCMP recommends doing it through environmental design.  

Through what, you ask?  Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a program of the Alberta RCMP where you can use the principles and plan home renovation and property maintenance projects this spring and summer.  

Jennifer Kee, the Alberta RCMP's Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist says that in 2020 there were 6,978 break and enters to homes, outbuildings, and cottages, an 18 percent decrease from the same time in 2019 when 8,517 of these crimes occurred.  While homeowners who are now working or spending more time at home may feel a greater sense of security, Kee says implementing some simple changes around their property could see this positive decrease continue.

CPTED is a set of principles meant to reduce crime through the consideration of the design of a physical environment to ensure a property is protected. The purpose of CPTED is to make recommended adjustments to a home or business property to make yards and buildings less appealing to criminals. It is important to remember that crime tends to occur where there are easy access points and reduced visibility. With the change of seasons now enabling people to be more active in maintenance and renovation projects for homes and yards, this is an ideal time to look at ways to create a safer environment.

Kee offers some tips that can help with crime reduction:

  • Lighting – Visibility and being seen is a deterrent for criminals so it is worth installing LED or motion sensor lights in dark corners or key areas around your property
  • Visibility – Good surveillance includes having clear sightlines from inside your house to the curb or edge of your property as well as through trimmed trees and foliage
  • Locks – Keeping doors and windows locked is good practice with deadbolt locks recommended for the strongest protection on door
  • Fences - Having a perimeter fence or border (even a hedge or shrubbery) with a closed gate helps to create a property barrier that helps establish a boundary.

Kee says there are more tips and information from the Alberta RCMP CPTED video playlist on YouTube HERE.  You can also follow the RCMP on their social media accounts on Twitter @RCMPAlberta, Facebook @RCMPinAlberta, YouTube @RCMP-GRC Alberta, and check out #CPTED online for more tips.

RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police since receiving those reports tell police where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future.  

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