Summer nights mean more property crime

By Peggy Revell on June 9, 2018.

prevell@medicinehatnews.com @MHNprevell

Oh, those summer nights.

A time for romance — like in the movie Grease — but also a time for increased thefts around the city.

Medicine Hat Police Service Staff Sgt. Mike Fischer says there’s a simple reason why police are busier during the warmer weather: More people are out and about.

“You don’t have to be hunkered inside a house. People are outside, it’s nice, they’re out later. In the winter time when it’s minus-30 at 2 a.m., no one’s out and about — and if they are, you can see their little footie prints all over the place, so they’re easy to track.”

And that means an increase in theft for the sort of items and property left in yards.

“Don’t be a victim. Make it difficult for someone to take your property,” said Fischer. “If it’s important to you, and you paid good money for it, take steps to secure it. Lock it up, put it away, it’s just that simple.”

One of the biggest upswings police see is in bicycle theft, simply because more bikes are out.

“We just sold 190 bicycles at our auction this year. Those bicycles are all local. They belong to somebody. No doubt they were stolen, or discarded or whatever. But all of those owners didn’t come pick up their bike,” said Fischer. “Why? Maybe they couldn’t prove they belong to them. So record your serial numbers.”

For vehicles, it’s about locking doors, rolling up the window and not leaving inside valuables or things that can be converted into currency. Similar rules apply to houses: secure doors, windows and secure the property.

“What we know about our community is, generally, our people who are taking stuff don’t break in to get it,” said Fischer. “Generally — if you left your purse in your car overnight with the doors locked, there’s a good likelihood your window is going to get broken to get to the purse, but for the most part they will legitimately walk up and down the streets checking car doors. That’s what they do.

“If they get to one that’s unlocked, they’re going in.”

Most people don’t bother to report these sort of break-ins, said Fischer, but he encouraged people to do so as it could help police link a string of break-ins together and lead to charges.

“Be part of the solution … Don’t make it easy for them, because most of these people don’t want to work for what they’re stealing.”

Tips

— Take down the serial number and description of your bicycle, and have a photo of you with it.

— Lock vehicles, roll up the windows, and don’t leave valuable items inside

— Keep screen doors locked, and use stoppers on windows and sliding doors so they can’t be easily opened from the outside.

— Avoid leaving wallets/purses near front door or in plain view where they could easily be grabbed.

— Keep garage doors closed and locked unless you need access.

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