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By Jeff Henson
combating crime

Homeowners encouraged to deter property crimes through environmental design

Apr 18, 2022 | 1:08 PM

RCMP are encouraging homeowners to use what they call Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles.

Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist Jennifer Kee says spring is a great time to do this, as it is the time when everyone gets out to clean up their property after the winter.

She adds it is also an easier time to look around your property.

“We want to be focusing on lighting, and just do a walk-through of the outside of your house,” she said. “Make sure all of your light fixtures work and all the light bulbs are functioning. We do recommend LED lighting.”

“And when you are doing your lawn, make sure your shrubs are trimmed down, especially if they are in front of a window.”

Kee adds that it is also beneficial to trim any trees on your property up six feet, to increase lines of sight for yourself.

She also says when you are done with your yard work for the day, it is important to return your lawnmower and other tools to a locked shed or garage.

“When we are cleaning up our yard, we are using shovels and we are using rakes and brooms and ladders,” Kee explained.

“Ladders can be used as a means to get into second-floor windows, which are sometimes left unlocked. As well, shovels and other appliances like that can be used as break and enter tools – or worst-case scenario as weapons against you or other people.”

Kee also says installing security and video surveillance cameras is another strong tool, adding any video evidence of a crime being committed is better than nothing.

“If we have an image, and doorbell cameras are becoming quite popular. And doorbell cameras do actually give quite a range out onto the street,” she added.

“So not only are we getting a pretty good visual of the offenders, but we can also capture the vehicle that they are in, and how many people they are with.”

Kee says they do typically see an increase in property-related break and enters in warmer months, as criminals have more daylight hours to scope out properties, as well as more time to carry out crimes.

She reminds the public that if they see anything that looks suspicious – even if it is on a neighbour’s property – that they should be reporting it to their local RCMP detachment.

by Jeff Henson