With the May long weekend approaching, Albertans will be preparing for cabin season. Alberta RCMP urges citizens to keep safety in mind when opening their seasonal properties.
First and foremost, if there was a break-in to a seasonal property over the winter always report it to your local RCMP detachment.
This information can be used in current investigations and to help plan future patrols.
In 2018, there were over 8,600 reports of break and enters to homes, outbuildings, and cottages. This is equivalent to 23.5 reports per day. It’s likely that some of these break-ins were committed by repeat offenders.
Citizens should remember that simple changes to property may be able to prevent or deter criminals from breaking and entering.
This is true for both primary residential and seasonal recreational properties. This month, Alberta RCMP will be using smart phone calendar notifications on social media to remind people to keep their properties safe during weekend trips.
Here are some easy crime prevention tips:
· Set phone notifications to remind you to follow a routine
· Double check all doors and windows are locked
· Put away valuables usually left at seasonal properties
· Install motion lights
· Have someone check on your property while you’re away
· Report all suspicious activity to police
· Remove signs on property that identify you by name
· Don’t post on social media that you’re away
Watch our Facebook (@RCMPinAlberta) and Twitter (@RCMPAlberta) feeds for #TripTips and reminders every weekend this month.
Alberta RCMP shares tips for motorcycle safety month
As motorists welcome warm weather across the province, the Alberta RCMP reminds motorcyclists to adopt safe driving behaviours that reduce the risk of collisions.
Alberta RCMP encourages you to practice the following motorcycle safety tips:
· Gear up. Along with a helmet, riders should wear shatter-proof eye protection and durable weather-proof clothes to keep you comfortable while riding.
· Stay bright and in sight. Staying out of blind spots on roadways and in parking lots will help keep other vehicles aware of your presence.
· Showing off does not pay off – but driving defensively does. Remember, motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings, share the road and change lanes with extreme caution. · Practice makes perfect. Riders should practice on safe roads away from high traffic areas and highways to make sure they are comfortable and confident in their skills on the road.
“With season change and warming weather, motorcycles are prevalent on our roadways. In 2018, there were 12 people killed and 232 motorcycles involved in injury collisions in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions,” said Supt. Gary Graham, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services. “These numbers are a good reason to raise awareness about safe motorcycling so that we all get to our destinations safely.”
The Alberta RCMP will continue to work with Alberta Sheriffs and other law enforcement and safety partners to ensure Albertans make the right driving and riding decisions. Follow our traffic safety tips on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @RCMPAlberta.
- Submitted