Alberta RCMP are warning residents ahead of vacation season to keep some summer safety tips in mind.

They released a list called #TripTips to help keep primary residences, and seasonal properties safe.

The list suggests making a safety check-list at home, to ensure everything is stored safely and locked up before leaving for vacation.

Jennifer Kee works as a K-Division Crime Reduction Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist for the Alberta RCMP.

Kee said that an important way to deter would-be thieves is to keep vacation information off social media.

"We strongly urge everybody to not post where they're going, how long they're going to be gone for, any of that information on social media," she said.

Kee added it's important to ensure anyone who may be watching your property keeps that information off social media as well.

"What we're finding is sometimes the people that are coming over to look after the houses while the people are gone, are putting innocent messages out on Facebook saying "oh, just looking after so and so's property for a weekend." And that is getting that message out to possible offenders as well, that property is going to be vacant, and they have a bigger window of opportunity," Kee said.

The RCMP's other tips include things like installing motion sensor lights, video surveillance, and having neighbours check your property.

RCMP received over 8,600 reports of break and enters to buildings in 2018.

Kee said it's also important to report break-ins at seasonal properties, even if residents feel that their items are unlikely to be recovered.

"The major reason we need to know about it is for our crime mapping, and to let the officers know there has been a problem in this area," Kee said.

Residents can follow @RCMPAlberta on Twitter for further tips to keep residences safe.

 

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at bburnett@goldenwestradio.com