The Incident: A wave of 13 break-ins in St. Albert’s east and southeast neighborhoods over the past month has raised alarm. Police say the city, typically not prone to high numbers of home invasions, is seeing an unusual uptick in criminal activity.

What happened:

• On Friday, an intruder attempted to enter a home on Placer Close through a patio door but fled after breaking it.
• On the same day, another break-in on Kingsbury Crescent involved entry through a basement window, with jewelry and other belongings stolen.
• Police believe these two incidents, along with others, may be connected.
• Of the 13 reported cases, five involved stolen belongings. In two instances, residents were home during the intrusion, but the burglars fled without confrontation.

What they’re saying:

• St. Albert RCMP issued a warning urging residents “to be on alert,” especially those living between Anthony Henday Drive and Sturgeon River.
• Officers advised homeowners to review security measures and report any suspicious behavior or security footage to police.

Backdrop:

• Break-and-enters are a relatively rare occurrence in St. Albert, making this spike in incidents a cause for concern.
• These events underline the importance of proactive measures to deter criminals and protect homes in areas typically perceived as safe.

What you can do to safeguard your home:

• Install security systems: Use audible alarms and camera systems to deter intruders and monitor activity.
• Enhance outdoor lighting: Motion-sensor or well-placed exterior lights can discourage unauthorized access.
• Create the appearance of activity: Keep interior lights on in the evening to make it seem like someone is home.

For additional protection, consider working with security professionals like Guardka Security, who specialize in personalized strategies to safeguard your home and give you peace of mind.