With property crimes continuing across the region this fall, members of the Olds Rural Crime Watch Association have been given some helpful tips on how to make residences, garages, shops and other buildings less attractive to criminals.
Thirty-three association members attended the group's monthly meeting at the Mountain View County council chambers on Nov. 30.
The association – which covers a large area of West Central Alberta, including Mountain View County – promotes landowner and resident security through public reporting of crime, fan-outs, information sessions and cooperation with local peace officers and Fish and Wildlife officers.
The Nov. 30 meeting featured an information presentation on break-in and personal security by Red Deer County peace officer Alissa Firmston.
Rural residents can take many steps to make their properties less vulnerable to criminal activities such as break-ins, she said.
Firmston framed her presentation in the form of questions and answers.
Do you know all of your neighbours?
• Neighbours can look out for one another and their property.
• Building your community connections enhances the security of your home.
• You know who belongs in your neighbourhood and who doesn't.
Do you have a trusted neighbour or friend to pick up mail?
• The accumulation of mail, newspapers or flyers is a sure sign that nobody is home.
• Contact Canada Post to put a hold on your mail if you will be away for an extended period of time.
Have you made an arrangement to have your lawn cut?
• The appearance of your home should not vary whether you are home or away.
• Have someone shovel the sidewalk and steps.
• Have someone drive up your driveway in winter months.
Do the windows on your home have locks?
• Most window locks are easily broken.
• Criminals target sliding windows and doors because they are easily opened.
• Basement windows and windows next to doors can be protected by using bars or filming.
Do all of your exterior doors have a deadbolt?
• Criminals with tools easily defeat conventional key in the knob locks.
• Bolts should extend into the door frame at least one inch.
• Screws in the door jamb should be at least 2.5 inches long.
• Strike plate should have a minimum of four offset holes.
Are there clear views of all windows and doors?
• The more private an area, the more likely it is to attract the attention of a criminal.
• Thieves like to work where they can't be seen.
• Trim trees and shrubs that block sightlines to your windows and doors, especially basement windows.
• Consider installing a wide-angle lens peephole.
Are there visible lights that give the impression you are home?
• Install outside lighting to eliminate dark areas around doors or windows.
• Consider using motion lights with a low intensity.
• Install a variable timer on interior lighting to give the impression you are home even when you are not.
Do you store valuables in a safe?
• The best place to put valuables is in a safety deposit box.
• You can also hide valuables in a lockbox stored in a concealed area in your home.
• Make a list of your valuables or take photos of them, including serial numbers.
• Engrave your electronics, bikes and tools.
Do you always close and lock your garage door?
• Garages are a favourite target because they often contain valuables.
• Be sure the overhead door closes completely after you drive in or out of your garage.
• Look the door between the garage and house for attached garages.
• Don't leave garage door openers in unattended vehicles.
Other home security tips include the following:
• Consider installing a home or automobile alarm system.
• Park in lit areas at night.
• Don't leave valuable items in your vehicle.
• Don't keep extra keys in your vehicle.
• If you have a gate at the entrance to your property, don't close it only when you are away.
• If you are leaving a vehicle outside have a neighbour move it periodically.
• Leave updated emergency contact information with a neighbour or friend.
• Turn the ringer of your phone down or off.
She also offered tips regarding personal safety.
“Personal safety is often misunderstood to mean self-defence,” she said. “Personal safety means crime prevention and an avoidance of victimization. Personal safety does not require physical strength or skill.
“Be aware, know who is around and behind you. When walking at night avoid walking alone and in dark areas. Don't challenge suspicious people, call 911. Back into parking spaces. This makes for a quicker escape if required.
“Trust your intuition. When your awareness causes your anxiety to increase, move towards light, crowds or activity, not away from it.”
Other property and personal safety tips include:
• Never delegate the responsibility of your personal safety to another person.
• Have a look at your home and your routines from the perspective of a criminal.
• What changes can you make to your home and personal security to give the criminals the perception of a “hard target”?
• Place your personal safety ahead of your personal convenience.
Social media can also be used by criminals to target property, she said.
“Social media sites have become an information highway for criminals. Do not post on Facebook, Twitter or any other site that you are going on vacation or will be away,” she said.
“Wait until you are back from holidays before sharing your pictures or posting your location. People who know what they are doing can find your address, they can find your phone number, they can find out a lot of information about you just off social media sites.”
RCMP Const. Lyle Korver also attended the Nov. 30 meeting.
He said residents are encouraged to contact police when they see suspicious activities or individuals.
“If you see stuff, call us,” said Korver.
People who know what they are doing can find your address, they can find your phone number, they can find out a lot of information about you just off social media sites."Alisa Firmstonprotective services officer
