As the holidays approach, authorities are reminding people about the steps they can take to avoid tempting would-be thieves. The key message is typically to be as hard a target as possible.
Generally speaking, criminals tend to be on the prowl for the easiest possible score — an unlocked vehicle left running with a load of presents in the back seat is basically irresistible to a thief.
“First thing they do is check the door,” said Cpl. Joe Mandel of the Sundre RCMP detachment.
“The thieves that we’re seeing are very opportunistic, they’ll jump on something like that,” the officer said, urging people not to leave their vehicles running, even when running into the store for a quick errand.
“Don’t leave gifts in your vehicle overnight,” he says, adding a thief doesn’t even need to break into a car if the doors are invitingly left open.
Making note of a gift’s serial number is also advisable, as is engraving one’s name or initials on an item or perhaps taking a photo in case it does get stolen, states a recent RCMP press release.
Sundre’s corporal also recommends letting your neighbours know when, and for how long, you plan to leave on a holiday vacation — especially in rural areas.
“Be cognizant of your neighbours. If they’re leaving for the holidays, just be mindful of who’s coming and going in your area,” he said, adding some criminals attempt to anticipate when a property will be vacant.
“These guys will jump on those opportunities,” he said.
“They’re going as far as disguising themselves as workers to look legitimate to avoid raising eyebrows.”
Rural residents usually have a good relationship with their neighbours, who eventually become accustomed to the kind of traffic they can expect to see coming and going. So observing an unrecognized vehicle prowling around at an odd time when the neighbours are away should ring some alarm bells, and the officer encourages anyone in such a situation to report it to police.
Sundre has not been immune to the provincewide increase in property crimes since the crash in the price of oil, and thieves often pass through from larger centres seeking easy targets, he said.
The RCMP also recommends being wary of potential scams and to research a cause or organization online before contributing anything to a random door-to-door or email solicitation.
While there is no way to absolutely ensure one will not be a victim of theft, we hope everyone follows these sensible and simple measures they can take to drastically reduce the odds.
Simon Ducatel is the Round Up’s editor
