New “Make Your Mark” program aims to reduce theft

Cranbrook RCMP have launched a new crime prevention program that gives residents access to engraving tools to help protect personal belongings.

The initiative, called Project Make Your Mark, allows residents to bring items such as sporting equipment, tools and electronics to the detachment at 31 11th Avenue South.

There, they can use an engraving tool to mark items with an identifier.

Police say engraved property is less attractive to thieves, harder to sell if stolen, and easier to return to its owner.

The tools are available Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Users must bring photo identification.

The program launch follows a recent RCMP report that showed Cranbrook had a busier second quarter compared to the first months of the year.

Between April and June, police opened 2,781 files — an increase of 519 from the previous quarter. While most involved non-criminal matters such as wellness checks and missing person reports, property crime accounted for 15 per cent of the total.

Break-ins and thefts of cars and bikes more than doubled, rising from 53 to 119 cases.

Sgt. Graham Hartl, operations support NCO, said property crime remains a top priority and that officers are using data-driven strategies and high-visibility patrols to reduce theft.

Police are also reminding the public to secure valuables and lock bikes and trailers.

For those unable to visit the detachment, the RCMP’s community policing team can discuss other options for participating in the new program.

More information is available by calling 250-489-3471.