Criminals have been targeting the Anders neighbourhood.
Three break-ins have occurred over a one-week period, although Red Deer City RCMP can’t confirm they are connected.
On Dec. 5, a home on Assinger Avenue was broken into and thieves stole Christmas gifts and other items, plus a red 2006 Chevrolet Impala that belonged to the homeowners.
On Tuesday, a home on Aldrich Close was broken into, and on Wednesday or Thursday, a home on Alexander Crescent was entered. Items were stolen from both these homes.
A white 2013 Ford F150 truck was stolen from the Alexander Crescent home, as well. Police have not yet recovered the Impala or F150.
RCMP are reminding citizens of the importance of getting to know your neighbours and keeping active eyes on the street through informal interactions or through crime prevention organizations such as Neighbourhood Watch, which offer simple tips to help neighbourhoods improve safety and reduce crime.
If you are travelling this winter, here are some tips:
l Tell only those people who need to know that you are going away.
l Ask your neighbours to inform the police immediately if they notice anything unusual or suspicious around your home. They should record the licence plates of questionable vehicles
l Have a trusted person house-sit for you, or hire a reliable house-sitting service.
l Cancel home deliveries of newspapers and do not leave notes for others.
l Have the post office hold or forward your mail and ask a neighbour to collect junk mail.
l Arrange for someone to shovel sidewalks so your home will look lived in.
l Have a neighbour arrange drapes and blinds occasionally.
l Purchase timers for radios, TVs and exterior and interior lights.
l Turn down the telephone ringer; an unanswered phone usually indicates an empty house.
l Do not leave a message on your answering machine telling callers you are away.
For more crime prevention tips or information about Neighbourhood Watch, Citizens on Patrol or Crime Stoppers, visit the Central Alberta Crime Prevention Centre at www.cacpc.ca.
Anyone with information about the Anders break-ins that may assist police in identifying the suspects responsible is asked to call Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575.
If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com.