Car Prowlings and Break and Enters in South Calgary We are reminding residents of Calgary to be mindful of home and vehicle security following a number of offences in the city. In recent months, our District 8 office has seen an increase in the number of break and enters and car prowlings reported in several south communities, including Copperfield, New Brighton, Evergreen, Cranston and Woodlands. However, these types of crime are not exclusive to these communities, and continue to occur throughout the city. Many of the vehicles that were reportedly broken in to were left unlocked. Once inside the 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. Calgarians are reminded to lock their vehicles at all times and remove any valuables, garage door openers, and spare keys. Citizens are encouraged to call police to report suspicious activity in an area. The following are additional tips to help prevent break-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. Anyone with information about these offences is asked to call us at 403-266-1234 or you can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods: TALK: 1-800-222-8477 TYPE: tttTIPS TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637
Posted on: Fri, 16 May 2014 20:56:04 +0000
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