Spring is almost sprung in the Foothills and with people spending more time at home lately, plans for yard clean up, spring planting and summer projects are starting to take shape.

This year the Alberta RCMP is urging homeowners to consider Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles when planning their yard for spring and summer projects.

CPTED is a set of design principles meant to reduce crime through the design of a physical environment with the purpose being to make your property less appealing to criminals. 

The program highlights the three L’s - Locks, Lighting, and Landscaping, and states these principles can be applied to homes or businesses.

Some tips in the program suggest when planning your yard, consider planting prickly plants such as raspberries or roses for a natural barrier and a deterrent to unwanted trespassers.

Keeping a good line of sight throughout the property can be achieved by trimming the bottom branches on large trees and tapering shrubs so they don't block windows.

Consider installing a gate and fence around your property to make it obvious if someone is entering the property. The RCMP suggests keeping all gates closed whether you're home or away to make it difficult for criminals to know if the place is vacant at any given time.

If you will be away from your property for an extended period of time other tips include putting timers on lights, having a neighbour or friend maintain your yard and disconnect the power to your garage door.

The RCMP state the most important tip of all is to keep your doors and windows locked.

According to Alberta RCMP officer in charge of Crime Reduction Strategies, Superintendent Peter Tewfik, the CPTED program is a key part of crime prevention and is one part of the RCMP's Crime Reduction Strategy,

"We all have a part to play, and through target hardening and implementing simple changes to your property, you can help us reduce property crime in Alberta," said Tewfik.

The RCMP are encouraging the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police and are reminding residents that reports give them vital information on where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future.

If you see a crime in progress, you are asked to dial 911 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

 

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