Property Crimes
Would You want your property, money or identity stolen?
In Alberta, property theft is real. This area of crime can involve theft, vehicle theft, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of stolen credit card and identity documents, break and enter, and robbery. Ultimately, property crime is to obtain money, property or any other material benefit.
Regardless of how property crime is carried out, it is often tied to organized crime and drugs. The property crime unit is an integrated team between the Medicine Hat Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police operating under the umbrella of ALERT.
319 Investigations
319 Investigations and assists in property crimes by ALERT during the 2021-22 year.
13 Arrests
In relation to property crimes, often perpetrated by individuals linked to organized crime (2021-24 period).
58 Charges
Laid against offenders arrested by ALERT in relation to property crimes over the 2021-24 period.
Over $15 Million
In stolen assets recovered by ALERT during property crimes investigations, in addition to 408 vehicles (2021-24 period).
ONE MILLION
Areas of Property That are
Stolen
Vehicle Theft
Metal Theft
Areas of property that are
Stolen
Break & Enter
ORGANIZED CRIME
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
The majority of thefts from vehicles happen because the owner has left their vehicle unlocked. Lock your vehicle to keep both the vehicle and the items inside secure. Furthermore, keep your garage door opener locked will prevent criminals from accessing the inside of your garage (and consequently, the items inside).
Keep rural property and storage lots secure: place locks on your trailer hitches, boats and storage containers that contain valuables. While it might be one more step for you, it’s a significant deterrent to criminals.
Keeping your firearms properly locked and secured is the best and easiest way to help prevent firearm theft and subsequently firearm trafficking in Alberta.
Keep records of serial numbers and purchase receipts for all valuable items such as bikes, tools, firearms, jewelry, etc. This will help investigators trace and recover stolen property.
Be aware of your own social media presence, and what you publish online. Try not to advertise your departure for holidays, or indications that you’re away from home as this information may become available to criminals, who might then use it to target your home or property.
Keep your valuables locked away and out of view from guests. Many Break and Enters are committed by individuals known to the victims. Furthermore, install surveillance cameras or doorbell cameras, as this footage will assist investigators in the event a crime is committed.
When selling used belongings, meet at a public space rather than at your home.
