Police warn of recent break and enters in new communities
The Calgary Police Service is warning the public of an increase in theft-related incidents targeting homes within new communities across the city.
We are seeing an influx of break and enters occurring with new homes and homes under construction across Calgary, specifically within the southeast community of Belvedere.
The items most often stolen include appliances, electrical boxes, siding, windows, doors and various other construction materials.
“We encourage new homeowners and those working in home construction businesses who have been a victim of theft or a break and enter, to report it to police,” says Sgt. Nick Wilsher of the Calgary Police Service Crime Prevention Team. “The items being stolen in these incidents may indicate home entrances have been left unlocked, making it easier for thieves to help themselves. We are reminding citizens to ensure their residences are secure and for those working in these residences to remain vigilant to help prevent crime.”
If you are a new homeowner or employed in the home construction business, keep the following tips in mind:
New home residents:
- Secure your property before heading to bed by establishing a 9 p.m. routine:
- Close overhead garage doors and any garage windows
- Lock any doors leading to or from the garage, especially if they lead directly into your house
- Close and lock all windows
- Turn on an exterior light
- Consider installing security or doorbell cameras, alarm systems and exterior motion lights
- Close your blinds to prevent people from looking inside your home
- Photograph your valuables and record any serial numbers
- Consider using tracking devices (AirTags or GPS trackers) for your vehicle and any other valuables
- If you live in a multi-unit complex with shared entrances, do not let anyone into the building that you don’t know
- Get to know your neighbours and look out for each other
- Report any suspicious activity to police
Home construction employees or contractors:
- Secure or close all doors, windows and entrances into homes
- Know your site and who is working on it
- Question people visiting the site
- Get a good description of the people you don’t recognize on and around your site
- Take a license plate and vehicle description
- If you see something suspicious, say something
- Film it on your phone
- Liaise between sites and take note of trends
- Keep items of high-value in secure areas
- Only confront individuals if it is safe
- Call 9-1-1 for all crimes in progress
Anyone with information about break and enters and theft-related incidents occurring in new communities is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips