In times of pandemics, you need to be creative.

Jennifer Kee, the Alberta RCMP's Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist has adopted a virtual way to conduct home visits during COVID-19. 

As part of the Project Lock-Up initiative, Kee has been visiting the properties of owners who have been the victims of repeated property crimes.

"One of my primary roles with the  RCMP is actually going out to the actual sites, and that could be a home, business, or seasonal property, and engaging with the property owners face to face," Kee explains.   "Of course, with the pandemic, I can't do that right now so one of the ways we're wanting to deliver this service and let the community know that this is still available to them is by doing it through social media."  

Kee says RCMP social media followers can send her direct messages asking questions about or providing photos of their properties.  Kee will review the messages and provide personalized advice for the owners.

Kee says one of the things she tries to do is to offer the property owners some reasons why their property is being targetted.   "There's something that's making it attractive to the offenders," Kee says.  "Whether it's just in such a remote location or easily accessible.  Just looking at the property and doing an assessment of what we could look at altering, some recommendations of what we could bring in to maybe deter the criminals.  That's my primary role."

Kee says the RCMP are fully committed to the safety and security of all Albertans during COVID-19 and that includes adapting Crime Prevention strategies.

Here are some questions to consider while spending more time at home:

  • Is your yard adequately lit?
  • Do you have clear sightlines in your yard?
  • Is it obvious when you’re not home?
  • Do you have a fence or natural barrier around the property?
  • Are bushes trimmed under windows?
  • Do you have a gate?
  • Is your garage secure?
  • Which way do your doors open?
  • Do your windows have locks?

Kee says while some of these tips could sound silly or simple, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) has proven its value all over the world.  CPTED is an international concept that has proven to discourage crime and promote security.

For more tips and crime prevention information, follow #HereToHelp, and the RCMP social media accounts on Twitter (@RCMPAlberta), Facebook (@RCMPinAlberta) and YouTube (@RCMP-GRC Alberta).