West Parkland County

Home Security Checklist for Parkland County Residents

Why It Matters
Rural areas can be subject to property crime, and simple preventive steps can make a big difference. Securing your home protects your family, property, and peace of mind while helping build a safer community.

Doors & Windows

• Install solid-core doors with deadbolts.
• Lock all windows; add security film if possible.

Lighting & Visibility

• Use motion-activated lights at entrances.
• Trim shrubs/trees near windows and doors.

Alarms & Cameras

• Test smoke/CO alarms monthly.
• Consider monitored alarm and doorbell cameras. (These cameras can be registered through the RCMP CAPTURE program.)

Vehicles & Outbuildings

• Lock vehicles, ATVs, trailers; remove keys.
• Secure garages and sheds; keep valuables out of sight.

Community Safety

• Report suspicious activity to RCMP or Enforcement Services.
• Join or start a neighborhood watch group.

Building Safer Communities...Together.

🚨 Public Notice – Graffiti at Tomahawk Agricultural Hall 🚨

On the afternoon of October 23rd, graffiti was spray-painted on the Agricultural Hall in Tomahawk. A video of the incident was shared with authorities.

Two young males were seen in the video:

• One was riding a skateboard and wearing a plaid shirt
• The other wore a black hoodie with a white logo

Parkland County Enforcement Services and RCMP are working to identify the suspects. Extra patrols have been arranged for the area.

If you have any information, please contact local authorities. Let’s work together to keep our community safe and clean!

Building Safer Communities...Together.

Rural crime in Alberta continues to be a concern, with rates significantly higher than in urban areas (Statistics Canada). Property crimes such as mischief and break-and-enter are particularly prevalent, with mischief accounting for 43% of all property crimes in rural areas.

Parkland County Enforcement Services has increased patrols in specific areas of suspicious activity to ensure your safety and security. Help us out...please report any suspicious activity that you notice.

Additional Reading...RMA (Rural Municipalities of Alberta - Position Statement)

Building Safer Communities...Together.

Back-to-School Safety in Parkland County: A Shared Responsibility

As students return to school in Parkland County, safety is a top priority for families and educators, ...as well as for Enforcement Officers! Community Peace Officers will be increasing patrols to promote pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle safety. Officer presence in school zones helps reinforce safe habits, and builds trust between students and law enforcement.

Traffic safety remains a major concern, especially in busy school zones. Drivers are reminded to slow down, stay alert, and avoid distractions. Parents are also encouraged to teach children safe practices.

Through collaboration between law enforcement, schools, and families, Parkland County continues to foster a safer environment for students. If you notice unsafe situations or unsafe practices in your neighbourhood, please contact Parkland County Enforcement Services or forward an email via this page.

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For additional Back to School Safety Tips, check out the RCMP site here.

Personal Safety & Crime Prevention starts with you...

Staying safe starts with being aware of your surroundings and trusting your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, let someone know. Report anything suspicious to Parkland County Enforcement Services or the local RCMP.

To help prevent theft, keep your valuables like wallets, phones, electronics, and jewelry out of sight and never leave them unattended. Only carry what you need for the day—leave extra cash, cards, or expensive items at home in a safe place. If you need to use your phone while walking or traveling, use a hands-free device so you can keep your phone secure and stay alert.

Building Safer Communities...Together.

In early July, RCMP conducted a safety patrol on Wabamun Lake, checking paddleboards and small vessels for compliance with Transport Canada regulations. The effort focused on raising awareness and preventing water-related incidents.

They found 51 individuals without life jackets or PFDs -- 46 of whom were paddleboarders. All were directed back to shore and educated on the legal requirement to have a Canadian-approved PFD on board, even if not worn. Paddleboards are considered vessels under Canadian law, requiring users to carry a PFD and whistle at the very least. (NOTE: inflatable PFDs do not meet the requirements of a legal PFD on a paddleboard.)

This summer, while paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, etc., please ensure safe enjoyment of Parkland County’s lakes and rivers.

Building Safer Communities...Together.

As of April 2025, Alberta residents can now report non-emergency crimes by calling 310-RCMP (7267) — a new, province-wide number that connects directly to the Alberta RCMP Operational Communication Centre. This initiative is designed to simplify the reporting process, reduce confusion about which detachment to contact, and help ensure 911 remains available for true emergencies. The line is toll-free, requires no area code, and is accessible from any phone within Alberta.

In Parkland County, residents are encouraged to use 310-RCMP to report non-urgent incidents such as minor vehicle collisions, property damage under $5,000, or break-ins that have already occurred. These reports still receive a police response, but help prioritize frontline resources for high-risk situations. Non-emergencies can also be reported online through the Alberta RCMP app or at www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ab.

Building Safer Communities...Together.

As is common most summers, Parkland County has recently been facing significant issues with dirt bikes and ATVs. Residents have reported a noticeable increase in riders speeding through subdivisions and residential areas, often without helmets. This reckless behavior not only poses a serious safety risk to the riders themselves but also endangers pedestrians and other motorists.

Additionally, many of these riders are operating their dirt bikes and ATVs without proper registration and insurance. This lack of compliance with legal requirements adds another layer of concern for residents. Unregistered and uninsured vehicles can complicate matters in the event of an accident, making it difficult to hold riders accountable.

There has been a rise in concerns regarding OHV safety. Enforcement Services advises users to familiarize themselves with the Parkland County OHV Bylaw and provincial legislation.

Building Safer Communities...Together.