In Southeast Division, 107 garage break and enters were reported to police from May 2017 to July 20, 2017. Within the same timeframe, 474 thefts from auto complaints were reported to police.
“These are crimes of opportunity. Thieves can easily gain entry into vehicles that are left unlocked,” says Sgt. Claus Penno with the Southeast Division. “Personal property including garage door remote openers are often stolen and then used to gain access to attached and detached garages where even more property may be stolen.”
Residents are being asked to be conscientious neighbours and report any suspicious persons and/or vehicles seen in the area and to lock all doors and windows to your garage and house.
The EPS is encouraging residents to participate in the social media crime prevention campaign, #9PMRoutine. It’s a reminder to everyone to remove all valuables from their vehicles, including garage door openers, and to lock their vehicles, garage, windows and house.
Homeowners can follow these crime prevention tips to ensure their property is secure:
- Keep your home, garage, and shed doors closed and locked while working in the yard.
- Don’t leave equipment, tools, bikes or other items unattended in your yard or driveway.
- Install deadbolt locks on your home and garage doors for added security.
- Close house and garage window coverings to prevent thieves from looking inside for items to steal.
- Close your garage door after driving in, and ensure it is closed when you are driving away.
- Help police track stolen items by recording the make, model and serial number of “big ticket” items in your home or garage. This helps police return stolen property to its owner. You can also engrave your name on items, keep the receipts and register items through their warranties, or take photos of items. Criminals do not want to be caught with stolen property, and it prevents items from being sold.
- Report stolen items to police as soon as possible.
- Be aware of people walking, riding bicycles, or driving vehicles in your neighbourhood.
Citizens are asked to report suspicious activities to police immediately bycontacting the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.