Calgary police are reminding people to take steps to prevent break-ins and car prowlings after a number of incidents were reported in the northeast.

Police say that more than 58 break-ins have been reported since September in the communities of Whitehorn, Temple, Coral Springs, Falconridge, Castleridge, Martindale and Taradale.

Detached garages have been the main target and police say the suspects usually gain access to a garage via an unlocked door or by prying open a locked door. 

Once inside, the thieves enter unlocked cars and take loose change or electronics. They have also made off with sporting goods, like golf clubs.

Police say many of these offences are crimes of opportunity and they have a few prevention tips:

Vehicle theft and car prowling prevention

  • Garage openers should not be left in vehicles, as thieves can use them to gain entry into a home
  • Avoid parking in unlit areas at night
  • Lock your doors and close all windows
  • Hide your valuables out of sight, or better yet, take them with you
  • Don’t keep extra keys in your vehicle

Home and garage break-in prevention

  • Keep your doors locked, even when you’re home. Ensure your garage doors and windows are also closed and locked
  • Install exterior motion lights to brighten dark areas around doors or windows, to make them easily seen by neighbours and passersby
  • Lock all garage doors, including the one between an attached garage and the house
  • Always close and lock any windows that could be used to gain access to your home while you’re away or sleeping, even on hot summer nights
  • Store important or irreplaceable documents and items away from your home, such is in a safety deposit box
  • If you see homes with open doors, front doors with keys left in the locks or a neighbour’s car with the trunk left open, give them a quick call to let them know
  • Consider installing home and vehicle alarm systems and vehicle anti-theft devices

Many people take holidays this time of year and police say It is also important to take proactive measures when leaving your home for extended periods of time.

  • Make your home looked lived in. Put lights, radios and TVs on variable timers. If you’re leaving a vehicle outside your house, have a neighbour move it periodically. Arrange for lawn and garden upkeep
  • Either cancel newspapers, mail and other delivery items or have a trusted neighbor collect them for you while you are away

Investigators are asking anyone with information to call the Break and Enter Detail at 403-428-6500 or you can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: tttTIPS.com
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637