Traditionally the May long weekend has quite an effect on Prince Albert. When the weather is good people are known to clear out of town and head to the lakes.
Sgt. Kelly McLean, with the Prince Albert Police Service, has some advice for people leaving their homes unattended over the weekend.
“It’s something we talk about again and again, about making your home look lived in,” said McLean.
“Have somebody take your papers in, have somebody bring your mail in if you’re going to be away on a weekday. Make sure that someone is checking your property. It might be a good idea to leave a light on, to leave a radio playing inside your residence – something that’s going to make it appear as though you haven’t left home.”
McLean said primarily police are not seeing residences being hit, but more sheds and garages as those are crimes of opportunity.
“If you can make your residence appear lived in, I think you’re going to reduce your chances of becoming victimized.”
On the flip side, when there is poor weather, many people enjoy the long weekend by staying in the city.
In the last weekend, Police responded to 15 loud party complaints. City bylaw sets the minimum fine for dealing with these situations at $360.
“Lots of times people don’t realize that (it’s a) ruckus that they’re making in their neighborhood … and that’s the key to this bylaw, is that there’s no time limits on this. It’s whether or not people are disturbed by your activity.”
McLean said police have had years where the police service is busier on the long weekend and they’ve had years where things are much quieter. He said the police service is ready for either situation and he encourages the public to report suspicious activity.
sfroese@panow.com
