Strathcona County, Alberta: The Strathcona County RCMP is investigating a series of thefts from homeowner’s yard and gardens in Sherwood Park.
Since the beginning of May 2018, Strathcona County RCMP has received over twenty reports of suspects stealing items such as; solar lights, statues, lawn decorations, concrete blocks, flowers and plants from lawns and gardens.
Many of the thefts have occurred in the Glen Allan area of Sherwood Park but have also been reported in other areas including; Charlton Heights, Clarkdale Meadows and Heritage Hills.
It is not clear whether these thefts are being committed by the same suspect(s) but police note that it is common to see more of these types of thefts with the arrival of warmer weather.
Theft prevention tips:
Take A Visual Inventory: Use a video recorder or digital camera to record anything of value including expensive plants, garden decor, and power tools.
Mark Your Valuables: Discretely mark valuable items with your initials, postal code, or another distinguishing feature, to help you identify and recover your property.
Store Items Properly: Don't leave lawnmowers, power tools and other valuable items outside overnight. This is also true of ladders and wheelbarrows, which can easily be made into useful tools by thieves. When not in use, store yard and garden items in your garage or shed and out of sight.
Add Lighting: Most thieves do not like to risk being seen. Make it difficult for them to get close to your valuables by installing landscape lighting and motion-sensor security lights to overlook your yard and gardens.
Report: Keep an eye out for your neighbour’s property and report any suspicious behaviour or vehicles to police.
If you have any information about this, or any other crime, please call the Strathcona County RCMP at (780) 467-7741, or call your local police detachment. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or by internet at www.tipsubmit.com or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions).