Devon RCMP urges residents to lock down yards, garages, and outbuildings

As temperatures rise and more Albertans tackle outdoor projects, the Devon RCMP is reminding homeowners that thieves are just as eager to “spring” into action, especially when sheds, garages, and yard equipment are left unsecured.

Power tools, trailers, ATVs, lawn tractors, and even vehicle parts are prime targets when they’re visible or easy to remove. A few extra minutes spent locking, lighting, and documenting your gear can help prevent theft and save you dollars in the long run.

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Devon RCMP offers the following yard-focused tips to help harden your property against theft:

Upgrade garden-shed and garage side-door hasps to solid deadbolts or heavy-duty disc locks.

• Add padlocks to roll-up doors and secure interior tool chests with keyed or combination locks.
• Apply shatter-resistant security film to garage and shed windows.
• Use reflective or frosted film on garage and shed windows, so passers-by cannot inventory what’s inside.
• Reinforce weak door frames with strike-plate screws at least 3 inches long.
• Install motion-activated LED or solar lights above every outbuilding entry point.
• Position cameras (or doorbell cams) to cover sheds, trailer parking pads, and garage doors—aim for faces, not just tops of heads.
• Photograph tools, machinery, trailers, and recreational vehicles from multiple angles.
• Record serial numbers, makes, and models in a secure file or app; engrave your driver’s licence number on high-value items.
• Use wheel locks or chock-and-lock systems on trailers and utility equipment.
• Add gas-cap locks to fuel cans and machines to deter siphoning and joyrides.
• Remove keys from ATVs, mowers, and vehicles—even when parked inside the garage—and store them in a locked cabinet inside your home.
• Keep garage doors closed except when actively loading or unloading.
• Lock your vehicle inside the garage; many thefts start with a simple door-check.