Whether you live in the city or out in the country, leaving things sitting out in the open in your yard is simply asking for them to be stolen by opportunistic thieves.  

The Alberta RCMP has made "Thefts from Yards" the crime prevention theme for the month of July with good reason.  In 2019 there were over 126,000 property crime offenses reported in Alberta with more than 12,4000 of them occurring during July.

The RCMP say there are simple things you can do to prevent these thefts from happening:

  • Ensure bicycles/scooters are locked up and/or put away
  • Put identifying marks/numbers or serial numbers on bikes, lawnmowers, quads, outdoor equipment/tools
  • Put away children’s toys and bikes
  • Put away all tools
  • Lock the front door even when outside in the backyard
  • Ask a neighbour to take care of the yard & take in papers if you plan to be away
  • Turn on outside lights in the evening and install motion sensor lights

To help you remember to do this every night, the Alberta RCMP advise that you follow the #9PMRoutine / Lock It Crime Reduction Initiative.

Each night at 9 pm you should:

  • Remove valuables from your vehicle and ensure it’s locked, windows are closed, and if possible, your vehicle’s parked in a garage.
  • Close all garage windows and lock any garage doors, especially those leading into your house.
  • Keep your vehicle registration and insurance documents secure. The documents can be used to commit other crimes.
  • Check and lock all house doors and shut all windows.
  • Turn on an exterior light.
  • Close and lock your fence gate.
  • Lock your shed.
  • Put away bikes and toys in your yard.
  • Park in the garage instead of the street, if possible.

The RCMP want to remind you that everyone has a role to play in keeping communities safe. If you see something or feel something is suspicious, do not assume someone else has reported it, write it down and call the police. 

The police encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to their local RCMP Detachment.  The reports let them know where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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