After a pair of recent home invasions reported in the community, the Ponoka RCMP is reminding residents to take precautions to limit the likelihood of being targeted.
Both home invasions took part in the Lucas Heights region of town between the hours of 2-5 a.m. The first report came in on May 4 with another coming in just over a week later on May 13.
In both occurrences, residents were home asleep and unknown suspects gained access through open and unlocked doors and winters. While inside the residence, the suspects stole vehicle keys and wallets and departed in stolen vehicles.
According to RCMP media relations, both investigations remain ongoing.
“While RCMP investigates these crimes, we would like to remind residents to be aware of the security risks with leaving ground floor windows open during hot summer months,” states RCMP media relations, in the release.
To help lower rates of preventable crime, the Alberta RCMP has helped develop a checklist that can be followed to prevent these opportunistic crimes.
Known as the 9PM Routine, police officers worldwide suggest residents follow the checklist every evening before bed to ensure the property is safe and secure.
“Property crimes are often crimes of opportunity and important details like locking doors and turning on lights can deter criminals,” continues the release.
The checklist includes:
-Turn on outside lights at night
-Lock your doors
-Put away toys and bikes in a locked, safe location
-Put away tools when you have finished with them
-Put away outdoor equipment
-Lock up off-highway vehicles
-Double check vehicles are locked and keys are removed
-Doubt check that your garage and shed are locked
-If equipped, set your home alarm.
More information on the 9PM Routine can be found by following the Alberta RCMP on Twitter and on Facebook and sharing your participation using the #9PMRoutine hashtag.
