The Alberta RCMP is reminding business owners how important it is to properly secure their properties.
July, August, and September tend to have the highest rates of break and enters to businesses, with over 400 incidents reported in each of those months last year. In fact, 2023 saw a total of 4,516 reports of break and enters to businesses in the Alberta RCMP jurisdiction.
"It is hard to completely eliminate the risk of theft, but following safety practices can help prevent crimes of opportunity," says an RCMP media release. "Investing in quality preventative measures, such as sturdy locks, quality cameras, and an alarm system can pay off in the long run."
There are several things the RCMP recommends business owners do to stay safe, starting with making sure that all entrances have cameras and adequate lighting. Alarm systems should be considered and interior cameras can also help to deter theft. Interior cameras should cover as much of the space as possible, but should definitely focus on the points of entry at a minimum.
Another good way to prevent theft is to keep track of all keys and key fobs for the building. Knowing who has access to your business can be helpful in preventing crime. Keeping a light on at night, installing rolling shutters, window bars or a perimeter fence are all other tips provided by the RCMP.
If you do witness any suspicious activity around your business or another, you can contact the Alberta RCMP.
