Vehicle and Home Security Reminder

The Calgary Police Service is reminding residents of Calgary to be mindful of home and vehicle security following a number of offences in south Calgary.

In recent months, the CPS District 8 office has seen an increase in the number of car prowlings and break and enters reported in south Calgary communities, including Copperfield, New Brighton, Evergreen, Cranston and Woodlands.

However, these types of crimes are not exclusive to these communities, and can occur throughout the city.

Many of the vehicles that were broken in to were left unlocked. Once inside a vehicle, the offenders often stole change and property, and/or used the garage door opener to gain access to the garage, and even into the home through the unlocked attached door.

With summer quickly approaching, the Service is reminding Calgarians to take preventative steps to protect their property. If you will be away for a few days, or for an extended period of time, please ensure that your property is looked after. Do not advertise that the house is empty or disclose your vacation plans to others on Facebook, or some other platform. Share your vacation memories and photos after you’ve returned home from your trip.

The following are additional tips to help prevent beak-ins and car thefts/prowlings:

Vehicle theft and car prowling prevention:

Report any suspicious activity or behaviour, such as someone trying door handles on parked vehicles.
Garage openers should not be left in vehicles, or should be disengaged, as thieves can use them to gain entry into a home.
Avoid parking in unlit areas at night.
Lock your doors and close all windows at all times, even while you are in your yard.
Hide your valuables out of sight, or better yet, take them with you.
Don’t keep extra keys in your vehicle.

Home and garage break-in prevention:

Report any suspicious vehicles, activity or behaviour, such as someone showing up at your home “mistakenly” looking for a different address, or going through yards of neighbours that you believe are away.
Remind your family to close the garage door(s) after removing bikes, vehicles and other items. Any open door is an invitation.
Despite the warm weather, it is important to ensure windows and doors are secured at all times, even when you’re home. Culprits need mere moments to commit a theft.
If you are away, ensure a friend or neighbour picks up your mail and flyers, and keeps your yard appearing cared for, giving the impression that you’re around.
Use timers to control lighting within the home.
Install exterior motion lights to brighten dark areas around doors or windows to make them easily seen by a neighbour or passersby.
Lock all garage doors, including the one between an attached garage and the house.
Always close and lock any windows that could be used to gain access to your home while you’re away or sleeping, even on hot summer nights.
Store important or irreplaceable documents and items away from your home, such as in a safety deposit box.If you see homes with open doors, front doors with keys left in the locks, or a neighbour’s car with the trunk left open, give them a quick call to let them know.
Consider installing home and vehicle alarm systems and vehicle anti-theft devices.

Take precautions and keep your property/home secured, and always call police if you see suspicious activity in your neighbourhood.

Anyone with information about these offences is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or you can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

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