As we enter the spring and summer seasons, the Strathcona RCMP want to urge homeowners to consider Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles when planning to enjoy the outdoors, work on home renovations or even to take that long overdue road trip.
To improve the safety of your home, consider using CPTED principles that focus on the use of design to eliminate or reduce criminal behaviour while at the same time encouraging people to keep an eye out for one another. It can be effectively be used in most environments, including businesses and residential homes.
Strathcona County RCMP would like to take this time to remind the public of the following CPTED tips:
- Lighting: Ensure your yard is well lit. Consider installing motion sensor lights at all entryways.
- Sightlines: Keep clear sightlines to yards, garages, and entry points so criminals have nowhere to hide. Make sure trees and bushes aren’t overgrown, creating a cover for a potential thief.
- Gates: A locked gate can help deter a criminal who may not want to waste time trying to get past it.
- Windows: Keep windows covered and locked when you’re not home. An empty house is a criminal’s playground.
- Alarms: Consider installing a security system, especially on seasonal properties or if you travel often. This will help ensure that if anything does happen to your property, authorities will be alerted immediately.
- Vehicles: Keep your vehicles locked and remove any valuables from them. If possible, park any ATVs or other seasonal vehicles out of sight.
The safety and well-being of our community is achieved when residents work in collaboration with one another, supported by community resources. Let’s work together to prevent crime before it occurs through a proactive approach.
For more information on CPTED please check out the link to Your Alberta RCMP, Your Provincial Police, CPTED videos below.
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcKXZtPXANcruAdyWOrXnHqQ3DdG_hcd7
RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com orby using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
Constable Cheri-Lee Smith
Strathcona County RCMP
