HP RCMP
For South Peace News
(High Prairie) – As Albertans take on home maintenance and improvement projects throughout the year, High Prairie RCMP is encouraging residents to consider incorporating Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies into their plans.
CPTED is a proactive approach to crime prevention. By making smart, cost-effective changes to your property, you can reduce opportunities for crime and enhance your overall safety. Any time is the perfect time to walk your property and identify practical ways to improve visibility, access control, and security.
By taking a few extra steps during routine upkeep, homeowners can significantly reduce their risk of being targeted by criminals. High Prairie RCMP suggests implementing the following CPTED strategies as part of your regular home and property maintenance:
- Trim overgrown trees and bushes to increase sight lines and eliminate potential hiding places.
- Keep shrubs below window level to prevent them from becoming cover for intruders.
- Maintain clear, visible pathways to doors and access points.
- Install LED or motion-sensor lighting around doors, driveways, and dark corners of your property.
- Use solar-powered lights for sheds, backyards, and areas without wiring access.
- Ensure lights are placed high enough to prevent tampering.
- Lock up tools, ladders, and lawn equipment in a garage or shed.
- Avoid leaving expensive items in plain sight from the street.
- Use high quality padlocks and deadbolts on exterior structures.
- Use fencing and natural barriers (like thorny plants) to define property boundaries.
- Ensure your address is clearly visible from the street for emergency responders.
- Avoid tall privacy fences or solid walls that can block visibility and hide intruders.
- Join or start a community watch to keep neighbours informed and engaged.
“Please call in any crime big or small, we make to make High Prairie a safer community,” says Sgt. Jason Barber, Acting Detachment Commander.
How to
report a crime:
- In an emergency, always call 911.
- For non-emergencies, call your local detachment at (780) 523-3370 or 310-RCMP (310-7267). No area code is required.
- To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the free Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.
For more home safety tips follow up on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta