It might be too soon to say, but summer could finally be arriving.
To keep Lloydminster as crime-free as possible, residents must work together to eliminate opportunities for thieves.
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Bicycle owners should secure their property at all times.
Even during quick store runs, keep your bike visible and locked. Record serial numbers or place unique, inconspicuous marks on the frame to help police identify the bike if it is lost, stolen and later recovered. Illustrating how brazen thieves can be in our community, a truck and trailer were once stolen while the driver was simply adding air to a trailer tire.
Secure sheds with robust locks, ideally using covers to block bolt cutters or grinders. Keep tool chests locked and apply frosted film to garage and shed windows to hide valuables. Reinforcing door frames, installing yard gate latches and adding motion-activated security lights or cameras will further deter suspects. While nothing is absolutely foolproof, making theft difficult is your best defence.
Road safety also requires extra attention. Every summer, pedestrians are struck by vehicles, typically in parking lots or crosswalks. Whether walking or driving, always check your surroundings—even if you have the right-of-way.
Before driving, take half a minute to walk around your vehicle to check its condition and ensure no children, toys, or objects are behind it. Clear the rearview mirror and dashboard of obstructions.
If you are navigating unfamiliar roads, map your route ahead of time or have a passenger assist to let you focus entirely on the road.
Have a safe summer!
Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbown is the NCO in charge of the Lloydminster RCMP detachment’s General Investigation Section. Stay tuned for future online columns from the Lloydminster RCMP.
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