10/15/2026
Community Safety Update: Rural & Subdivision Property Protection & Increased Patrols Information Bulletin
Over the past few weeks, our region has experienced an increase in property crimes and break-ins. In response, additional RCMP and Marshal Service resources have been redirected to our rural areas and subdivisions.
Because of this increased patrol coverage, police presence is higher and response times have improved significantly. Officers are actively patrolling, and community vigilance plays a vital role in helping them protect our area.
Here is what you need to know and how we can work together to keep our properties safe:
Pattern to Watch For: Scoping Yardsites in Advance
Individuals have been scouting farmyards and residential acreages well before the actual robberies, sometimes days or weeks ahead of time. Much of this is happening during regular daylight hours.
Once they target an area, they often go yard-to-yard within a subdivision or along a specific road and adjacent properties.
If you see strange vehicles creeping past driveways, turning around in approaches, or sitting in approaches or near yardsites, make note of it. Let your neighbours know and report it immediately so the RCMP have a record of it.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Property
1. Know Your Neighbours & Stay in Touch
A connected neighbourhood is the best deterrent. Introduce yourself to nearby properties, exchange phone numbers, and set up a quick phone or text chain. If you spot something out of place in a neighbour’s yard—especially while folks are away at work—give them a quick call or text.
2. Lock Up Vehicles, Outbuildings & Homes
Opportunistic theft relies on quick, easy access at any time of day:
Vehicles & Equipment: Always lock vehicles, quads, and equipment—even when parked in your own yard during the day. Never leave keys, fobs, wallets, tools, or garage remotes inside.
Outbuildings: Keep detached garages, shops, sheds, and fuel tanks secured around the clock.
Home Security: Ensure deadbolts, window latches, and sliding door bars are secured day and night. Security cameras and driveway alarms are helpful for evedence collection and early alerts to activity in your yard.
3. Yard Lighting & Clear Sightlines
Keep yard lights on overnight, or install motion-activated floodlights around driveways and outbuildings.
Trim overgrown brush near road approaches and driveways to keep sightlines clear from the road.
4. Keep Everyone in the Loop Online & Offline
Community Crime Watch & RCMP Meetings:
Local groups are organizing meetings regarding rural crime watch and community discussions with the RCMP. If you would like to attend, please watch local community groups and notice boards for upcoming dates and times.
Facebook: Watch local community pages for verified updates and safety notices.
WhatsApp Alert Group: A local community WhatsApp chat is active for notifications across the area.
Check on Neighbours: Reach out by phone or in person to neighbours who don’t use social media or smartphones so they remain informed.
Who to Call (Timely Reporting Matters)
With extra patrol units operating in the area, calling promptly gives officers the best chance to locate suspicious individuals or vehicles while they are still in the vicinity. When safe to do so, note vehicle makes, models, colours, licence plates, and directions of travel.
ACTIVE CRIMES OR EMERGENCIES IN PROGRESS:
🚨 Call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to confront anyone yourself.
SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY, PROWLERS, OR TO FILE A REPORT:
📞 Prince Albert RCMP: 306-765-5500
📞 Nipawin / Smeaton RCMP: 306-862-6270
or
📞 310-RCMP Province wide
Please share this notice with your neighbours and community groups.
