With Christmas shopping underway, Citizens on Patrol says prevention is key to keeping property safe and deterring thieves who might put a damper on the holiday season.
Recently, RCMP in High River reported an increase in thefts from vehicles, and said the majority involved unlocked vehicles with valuables left inside.
Mike King, with Diamond Valley Citizens on Patrol, said it’s now common to hear about would-be thieves checking vehicle doors to see if they are unlocked.
“People save all year round to make sure that their families have a great Christmas, and somebody comes along and they spoil that Christmas,” King said.
His advice is to lock everything, and that goes for vehicles, houses, garages and gates.
“Whether you’re downtown, on the street, or you go into a store, lock your vehicle – lock it all the time,” he said.
“If you got Christmas presents, make sure you take them inside or lock them up in the trunk."
Thieves can get their hands on vehicle registration or insurance documents, he said.
Around the house, motion sensors, alarm systems or cameras can help, and neighbours can look out for neighbours.
“Keep an eye on what’s happening,” King said.
Anyone who sees anything suspicious should record a licence plate number, avoid confrontation and notify police, he said.
Alberta RCMP say vehicles should be parked in a well-lit, visible location when possible, and that the keys should never be left inside a vehicle, whether it is running or not.
Garage door openers are a common way thieves can gain access to a garage or house and should not be left in vehicles, police said.
In Diamond Valley, Citizens on Patrol volunteers patrol every night, King said.
The organization is always looking for volunteers, and there are similar groups in High River and Okotoks.
“We’re out there lots of times between 1 and 4 in the morning, just cruising around," King said. “We’re not vigilantes. Anything we see, we have the RCMP’s number.”
Members patrol a minimum of six hours per month and the organization is gearing up to do walking patrols in pairs during events like Light Up Diamond Valley.
Diamond Valley Citizens on Patrol can be reached by email at [email protected].
