Rural residents witnessing crimes or suspicious activities are encouraged to always contact police without delay, guests heard at a recent information session in Bergen.
Put on by Mountain View County, the Division 4 open house saw Sundre RCMP Const. Dow York speak about the need for homeowners to be proactive when it comes to countering property crime.
The sooner police know about crimes the better, he said.
"The more you can provide us with information, that can help us narrow down areas and focus on areas where crime is higher," said Dow.
"Information is used to establish patterns that can lead to the identification and apprehension of perpetrators. Seemingly insignificant reports can lead to large outcomes."
When witnessing a crime, call 911 immediately, he said.
"Note the description of the individuals and vehicles, without compromising your safety," he said.
Property crime continues to be a concern across the region, with criminals from Calgary and Red Deer coming out to rural areas to commit crimes, he said.
Suspicious person/vehicle reports are up 28 per cent in the region, thefts under $5,000 up three per cent, and mischief damage to/obstruction of enjoyment of property up 14 per cent, he said.
As part of his presentation, Dow outlined a number of ways homeowners can protect their property (quoted from presentation):
ï Lock exterior doors and windows. Keep all points of entry closed and locked, even while you are home. Don't keep ladders or other items out where they can be used to ease access to balconies and windows. Don't leave tools accessible that can be used to break into your property.
ï Ensure that items such as bicycles, tools, lawnmowers and chainsaws are stored in a secure location and kept out of plain view. If you have a garage, ensure the door remains closed while unattended. Secure off-highway vehicles and trailers.
ï Mark your property with a unique identifier such as a driver's licence number. This will discourage theft and help in the apprehension of those having unauthorized possession of those items. This will also aid in return of those items. Record all serial numbers of property items. Keep photographs of property.
ï Know your neighbours. Get to know the people in your neighbourhood. Exchange telephone numbers. Inform neighbours about extended absences. Make arrangements to keep an eye on each other's property.
ï Use active deterrents such as exterior lights, motion sensor lighting, hunting or game cameras, or CCTV equipment.
ï Watch and report suspicious activity, such as slow-moving vehicles, occupants staring intently into yards, open garages or windows, and suspicious people at your door.
"I know it's a pain to drive through your gate, get out of your car and lock the gate behind you, but I'll tell you right now that that makes a big difference," he said.
"People who are driving by, that's the first thing they see. What do they do? They pull into the driveways that are open."
If you are going to be away from your property for an extended period of time, consider removing small valuable items from your property, designate a key-holder to keep an eye on your property and make sure the security monitoring company has key-holder information and knows how to get in touch with you, he said.
As well, have mail collected on a regular basis.
"A full mailbox can indicate an unattended residence or property," he said. "Theft of mail can lead to identify theft."
If you encounter a thief on your property, don't approach them, he said.
"Calling us quickly is much more effective and much more safe for everyone," he said.
Reeve Beattie commended local police for their efforts.
"Thanks very much for the work you do. I don't think it is appreciated enough," said Beattie.
The county is looking into the possibility of bringing on an enhanced constable in the county.
"That provides a higher level of protection in the rural areas, so it's one of the things our council is going to be considering over the next budget process," he said.
Gerald Ingeveld is the chairman of the Olds-Didsbury-Sundre Rural Crime Watch Association.
"We encourage people to join rural crime watch," Ingeveld told the meeting. "We have the ability to be the eyes and ears of our community. We can see what's going on and report that to the police."
"Information is used to establish patterns that can lead to the identification and apprehension of perpetrators. Seemingly insignificant reports can lead to large outcomes."RCMP Const. Dow York.
