Police urge residents to winterize their homes against crime

EDMONTON- With winter quickly approaching, the Edmonton Police Service is asking residents to winterize their homes against crime.

“As fall and winter is coming, we want to make sure the house is prepared. Don’t give thieves and criminals a chance to pick out your house as an easy target,” said Acting Sergeant Neil Thompson.

Officers recommend trimming back shrubs and trees to provide a clear view of your home, changing light bulbs in motion sensor lights, and once the snow falls, being on the lookout for strange footprints.

“If you see strange footprints, follow them around, have a look at where they’re going, make sure your house hasn’t been broken into,” Thompson explained.

“Just making sure your house is visible, bright and everything is working. And get it done before it gets really cold, it’s a lot easier to do it now, ahead of time.”

Furthermore, with people heading out of town over Thanksgiving and Christmas, police urge travellers to have a trustworthy neighbour keep an eye on their homes.

“If you go on holidays, it’s important to make sure your home doesn’t look abandoned,” said Thompson. “Keep the walkways and driveways clear, have someone pick up your mail regularly and ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your home.”

Thompson says it’s also important for residents to have peepholes in their doors.