RCMP warning residents of an increase in residential break and enters

RCMP is issuing a warning to residents within the municipal communities surrounding the Calgary hub of a trend regarding overnight residential break and enters.

Since late August, RCMP in Southern Alberta District have received several reports from homeowners who have been victim of residential break and enters, occurring between 11 p.m., and 6 a.m., while the victims were asleep inside their homes. Suspects are entering the homes through unlocked sliding doors, unlocked windows, and by cutting screens. Once inside, the suspects are stealing purses, small electronics, and vehicle keys. Vehicles on the street and inside garages have been stolen in some cases.

The investigations remain ongoing; however, RCMP wants to alert homeowners and provide information on prevention. Some safety tips to protect your home:

• Add pin locks to sliding doors or ground level windows. Pin locks prevent doors/windows from being lifted out of their tracks.

• Keep keys, wallets and purses out of sight, especially away from entry points and windows.

• Consider installing home security cameras and motion-activated or timed lights.

• Keep shrubs, trees and hedges below window level to eliminate areas of concealment.

• Pry guards installed on front, side and garage doors can help reduce the chance of forced entry.

• Lock man doors to garages, fences, and gates. 

If you have any information regarding these crimes, RCMP would like to speak with you. You can contact your local police or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.