The warm weather Calgary’s been seeing might mean more trips to the river, ice cream parlour, and patios, but it also means an increase in crimes of opportunity.
A release from the Calgary Police Service states that break-and-enters generally increase by 20% during the summer months, when windows may be left open in houses, garages, and vehicles.
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“We’re seeing an increase in residential break and enters with detached garages, which are typically a nighttime occurrence,” said Doug Crippen, Sergeant of the Centralized Break and Enter Unit of the Calgary Police Service, in the release.
“Property crime, including break and enters, car prowlings and auto thefts, continues to affect citizens across the city. In many cases, simply locking up and taking the opportunity away from offenders is enough to stop the crime.”
The height of the COVID-19 pandemic say a decrease in daytime break-and-enters, according to the release, but now that some restrictions have been relaxed the rates are on their way back up.
CPS had seen approximately 150 nighttime break-and-enters of detached garages in May, and roughly 200 in June.
Calgarians are encouraged to follow the CPS’ 9 pm Routine, which includes the following:
- Removing valuables from vehicles.
- Ensuring vehicles are locked, windows are closed and if possible, parked in a garage.
- Closing garage doors and windows.
- Locking any person-doors in the garage, including those leading into a house.
- Checking that all house doors – front, back, side and garage – are locked.
- Ensuring all windows are shut.
- Turning on an exterior light.
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