Seasonal crime prevention: Theft from yards
Summer brings increased outdoor activity, and whether you’re leaving equipment outside in your farm yard or acreage or water toys outside at your lake lot, property left unattended is an easy target for thieves.
That’s why the Alberta RCMP Crime Prevention Calendar focuses on theft from yards for the month of July.
Avoid becoming a victim of theft from your yard by keeping your property safe, and by maintaining an inventory of any items left outside during the summer months.
One of the key slogans of crime prevention is “lock it or lose it”. And this is never more true than items left outdoors.
Around the farm or acreage, main targets are ATVs as well as any trailers, yard tools or equipment left outside. Move items into locked indoor spaces if possible, but use padlocks, cables, chains, steering wheel locks and hitch locks to immobilize and lock down any items left outdoors. Always remove keys from ignitions and keep keys locked up in a discreet location. And deter prowlers by having motion activated lighting, security cameras, and a gate to your property that you keep closed and locked even when you are home. Also be sure to post your Rural Crime Watch vinyl signage in a prominent location.
Around the lake, prime targets for theft include kayaks, paddleboards, boats, trailers and ATVs. Again the cardinal rule of “lock it or lose it” applies. Don’t leave items unlocked overnight or during the week when you are not around. Also deter thieves by installing a gate to your property and keeping it locked—but be mindful that thieves can also enter your property from the lake side.
As well as locking down your property, record serial numbers and descriptions of your property and keep it in a safe place. Mark your property with your driver’s licence number using an engraving pen, and put your name on items in a prominent location to deter theft. Post your Rural Crime Watch vinyl signage both on the shore and lake sides of your property.
Don’t procrastinate. Thieves are out there right now prowling our community even as you are reading this article. Take steps today to secure your property—and prevent theft from your yard.
The success of our Holborn Rural Crime Watch program depends on looking out for one another. Get to know your neighbours and ask them to keep an extra eye out for any suspicious activity, and do the same for them. And promptly report any suspicious activity to the Parkland RCMP at 825-220-2000 or 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
