Break and enters are showing an increase in Moose Jaw compared to last year, with a 15.3 per cent increase in total break and enters when compared to this time last year. 

Of the 68 break and enter offences recorded by police so far this year, 18 were at business premises, 23 were at residences, and 27 were ‘other break and enters’ - including places like garden sheds and storage containers.  

While some people opening their garden sheds might think the nicer weather brought out the thieves, this is not necessarily the case according to Jay-D Haughton, public information and strategic communication manager with the Moose Jaw Police Service.  

“When people come out to their sheds after a long winter, they might notice that they might have been broken into, or things have been stolen or missing that they didn’t realize over the winter,” said Haughton. 

It's not just residents that might notice prior thefts this time of year. “Seasonal businesses that might not be on their property on a daily or weekly basis might come back in the spring or summertime to open up their business, and they might notice that things have been stolen or broken into.” 

Haughton provided several tips to prevent theft or assist police if a theft does occur.  

  1. Document your items  

This includes recording serial numbers and taking photos. 

“It makes it easier for us during the investigation, if we do come across it, that we can match the serial number with the one that was reported stolen.” 

  1. Assess entry points 

Make sure doors of sheds, garages, or residences are locked and in good condition. 

“It might be a little weak or might have some cracks. We recommend just to assess the condition and fix or replace it if you have the means to do so, because that might also attract someone to try to enter in.” 

  1. Secure your keys 

“If you have garage door openers or keys for anything in your car, make sure to remove those and put them in your home or in a safe location.” 

  1. Install cloud-based security cameras or motion detectors 

These can be aimed at driveways, doors, paths, and sheds. 

“That also could deter a potential break and enter opportunity from a thief. They might get a little startled, and they might just move along.” 

If the cameras do catch someone, the footage makes it easier for police to investigate.  

 

While there aren’t statistics available on the specific types of items stolen, Haughton did point to some commonalities. 

“Anything that people feel is of value, and they can try to sell quickly or take that’s not heavy. Tools are a big one. Bikes are a big one, because that’s a mode of transport for them as well.” 

Consequences for those caught breaking and entering can also include charges for trespassing, trespassing at night, possession of stolen property, possession of property obtained by crime, as well as theft over $5000 and theft under $5000.  

“We just want to remind the public once again, if something does occur at the residence or property in terms of a break and enter, or they notice something might be stolen, to give us a call and we’ll respond as quickly as we can and try to be as thorough in our investigation as we can to help them,” said Haughton.  

If you notice that items have been stolen, you can call the non-emergency police number at 306-694-7600, or if you do not need to speak to an officer right away, you can also make a report online.  

If a crime is in progress or it’s an emergency, call 911.