By Emily Keller

break and enters

RCMP remind Albertans of ways to protect themselves from property crime during vacations

Jan 12, 2020 | 7:00 AM

Alberta RCMP are reminding people how to keep themselves safe from break and enters while on vacation through various tips called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, or CPTED.

While January is a popular time for vacations for many Albertans to escape the winter, RCMP say getaways can make you more at risk of a break and enter.

RCMP say in January 2019, there were over 430 break and enters in Alberta, and over 4,850 from January to November 2019.

Fraser Logan with the RCMP says while keeping those close in the loop while away is important, keeping plans private helps as well.

“Outside of just friends and family and people that need to know where you’re going, try to keep your travel plans as secret as possible. Knowing, and confirming that you as an individual will be gone for a certain amount of time, it’s information that anyone in a small town could use if they ever wanted to enter your home.”

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Other tips include installing timers on lights, investing in a home security system, disconnecting the power to your garage door, and ensuring all windows and doors are locked.

Logan says having someone check on your residence periodically throughout your trip is vital.

“Even walk through the home every couple of days, that ensures that even from a safety standpoint, that water pipes have not burst, or that the heat is still working at a minimal level, that’s very important. If that’s not possible, you should make it look as lived in as possible.”

RCMP say having someone shovel your walk or driveway or collect your mail or use a mail hold service are ways to make the residence look lived in.