EDMONTON – The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is warning residents to make sure their homes aren’t easy targets, after a string of residential break and enters.
Six southwest Edmonton homes have been broken into since October 18. Police say the robberies happened in the Steinhauer, Ermineskin, Aspen Gardens, Greenfield and Blue Quill neighbourhoods.
All of the targeted homes back on to a greenbelt that runs through the south side neighbourhoods.
Police say in each break-in, the thieves have either forced themselves into the homes through the front door or through basement windows. Laptops, cameras, cash, and wedding bands have reportedly been stolen.
The EPS is urging residents to make sure their homes aren’t “easy targets” for thieves, by asking themselves the following questions:
• Are your exterior entrances hidden from view?
• Are your exterior doors and frames sturdy? Can they be forced open?
• Is there glass in or near the doors that, if broken, gives access to the home / locks?
• Can hinge pins on any external doors be accessed from the outside?
• Are locks and other door hardware securely installed to the door and the home framing?
• Can patio doors or windows be lifted out of the tracks? Do they lock?
• Are garage doors kept locked? Is the pedestrian door from the garage to the home in an attached garage locked? This interior door should be of the same standard as an exterior door.
• Can second story windows be accessed from a tree, ladder in the yard, or lower story roofs?
• Do you have an alarm system, emergency escape plan, list of emergency contacts? Are all members of the home familiar with them?
• Are your valuables marked for identification and insured? Should they be kept in a safety deposit box? A video of your home’s contents can be stored in your safety deposit box or with relatives/friends.
Police also urge residents not to leave house keys hidden outdoors. Instead, officers suggest leaving the key with a trusted neighbour.