The number of break-ins and theft usually increases during the holiday season, and the High River RCMP has some tips and tricks to prevent it from happening to you.

Constable Jill Kingdon-Mills says it's important to be choosey of what you post and don't post online or on Social Media.

"Just be wise and make good decisions about having those presents sitting in the back seat of the car or I see people who are taking pictures of their beautiful Christmas Tree with all of these presents underneath it, and on Christmas morning posting pictures of the gifts they receive on social media." She adds "I really suggest that people don't do that."

She says that can be advertising to criminals that your home is an available target.

"I have also heard stories from people who have posted on social media that they were heading to Hawaii for two weeks, and just to let you know, that is advertising that you will not be at your home, and I have heard instances where insurance companies will not cover losses from break-in or theft after they find out that you've advertised you will be away for a while so keep that off the internet."

Kingdon-Mills suggests that neighbours watch out for each other and residents report any suspicious activity to police.