Opportunistic thieves often target vehicles left unlocked or with the keys still in the ignition. Once a vehicle is stolen, it may be dismantled for parts, shipped overseas, or even resold within Alberta using a falsified vehicle identification number (VIN), putting unsuspecting buyers at risk.

Residents are advised of the following theft prevention tips:

• Always make sure to lock your vehicle.
• Never leave keys or garage door openers in your vehicle.
• Never leave important documents with personal identifying information in your vehicle.
• Ensure all valuables are removed or out of sight. This includes shopping bags, loose change, sunglasses, and any electronics.
• Do not leave your windows open when you leave your vehicle.
• If possible, store your vehicle in a locked garage when not in use.
• Park your vehicle in well-lit areas and within sight. If you’re unable to park in a locked garage, keep outdoor lights on for added security.
• Install anti-theft and vehicle tracking devices.

With warmer weather here, the Westlock RCMP anticipates seeing more cyclists on our roadways and trails. With this increase in bicycle traffic, the public is reminded to stay mindful of basic bicycle safety practices to help prevent injuries and keep everyone safe.

Westlock RCMP encourages everyone to follow these tips for a safe and enjoyable ride this biking season.

• Children under 18 must wear a helmet by law; adults are strongly encouraged to wear one too.
• Cyclists must obey all traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs, signalling turns, and yielding to pedestrians.
• Use a white headlamp, red tail lamp, and red rear reflector when riding after dark.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing to stay visible to motorists.
• Stick to designated bike trails when possible and check trail conditions before heading out.
• Lock your bicycle securely with a high-quality lock and anchor it to a sturdy object.
• Remove valuables from your bike or bags and take them with you.
• Record your bike’s make, model, serial number, and any unique features to assist with recovery if stolen; check for local bike registration programs.

During the warmer weather and longer days, kids spend more time outside—whether walking to a friend’s house, heading to the park, or just enjoying the outdoors. Westlock RCMP is reminding parents and guardians that this is a good time to check in with children about staying safe and being aware of their environment.

Building children's confidence to recognize unsafe situations and trust their instincts is one of the best ways to help keep them safe. Having open, age-appropriate conversations about boundaries, decision-making, and what to do when something feels wrong can go a long way in preparing kids for real-life scenarios.

To support families in the community with these important conversations, the Westlock RCMP is sharing a list of tips that parents and caregivers can review with their children:

• Remind kids never to go anywhere with someone they don’t know. Even if a stranger seems nice or asks for help, they should walk away and seek help from someone they trust.
• Let your child know that no adult should ever ask them to do something that makes them feel uneasy. It’s okay to say no and remove oneself from the situation.
• If something doesn’t sit right—even if they can’t explain why—children should be encouraged to leave and talk to a trusted adult as soon as they can.
• Teach kids to check in with a parent or caregiver before accepting anything or going anywhere, especially if it involves someone unfamiliar.
• Help them identify safe adults they can approach if they feel unsure, like a teacher, neighbour, or family member.
• Consider setting up a family password. If someone other than you needs to pick up your child unexpectedly, they should know the agreed-upon word.
• Encourage kids to stick with friends or siblings when walking or playing outside—there’s always greater safety in numbers.
• Walk or bike common routes with your child and point out safe locations they can go to if they need help.
• If your child has a phone, make use of family location features available on most smartphones, like Apple’s Family Sharing or Google Family Link.
• Go over how to use emergency call functions and make sure they know their full name, address, your contact info, and how to describe their location to 911 if needed.
• Run through some “what would you do if…” situations with your child to help them think through different safety scenarios.

Westlock RCMP reminds the public about the importance of reporting all suspicious or criminal activity, regardless of how minor it may seem. Timely and accurate reporting helps police better understand what’s happening in the community and supports both short-term investigations and long-term crime prevention strategies.

Whether it’s a theft from a vehicle, a suspicious person, property damage, or an incident that happened days ago, reporting it to the police helps build a clearer picture of local criminal activity.

Here’s why every report matters:

• What may seem like a minor or isolated incident could be part of a larger pattern of criminal activity and could help in identifying trends.
• Descriptions, times, locations, and stolen items can help connect incidents and identify suspects, as well as build suspect profiles.
• Increases in reported incidents may lead to additional patrols or the deployment of specialized teams and support units.
• Criminal activity often moves between communities, so reports from one area can often help solve crimes in another.
• Police analysts use reported data to track crime trends and support investigative planning.
• Reported property can be linked to suspects and recovered during arrests, often leading to multiple charges, and the return of items to the property owner.
• Report trends may support the introduction of targeted initiatives like bait vehicles, targeted patrols, or public education campaigns.
• Increased reporting can influence long-term staffing needs and resource allocation in the community.
• Investigations may take time to develop, and reporting helps officers follow up as new information becomes available.

How to Report a Crime

• In an emergency, always call 911
• For non-emergencies, call your local detachment or 310-RCMP (310-7267) – no area code required.
• To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the free Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

When warmer weather arrives and school years wind down, more young drivers are on Alberta’s roads — many of them learning behind the wheel for the first time.

Westlock RCMP remind motorists to be patient, alert, and cautious when encountering learner drivers, including those operating vehicles marked with driving school signage or learner decals.

New drivers need extra time and space to safely make decisions on the road. Motorists are asked to keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Expect slower speeds, cautious braking, and wide turns.
• Maintain a safe following distance and avoid tailgating.
• Only pass learner vehicles when it’s legal and safe to do so.
• Be prepared for sudden stops or unexpected lane changes.

Vehicles clearly marked with learner decals or signs from registered driving schools indicate that the driver is under instruction. Aggressive driving or road rage directed at learner drivers creates unnecessary stress and risks for everyone on the road.

For parents or guardians teaching a new driver, it’s equally important to prioritize safety when supervising your teen’s practice sessions. A few tips to keep in mind:

• Clearly mark your vehicle using a “Student Driver” or “New Driver” sign to alert other motorists.
• Start in quieter areas and gradually move to busier roads.
• Stay calm, provide clear instructions, and obey all traffic laws.
• Keep the focus on driving — avoid phones, loud music, or too many passengers.

As summer approaches, the use of recreational vehicles will increase. The Alberta RCMP would like to remind everyone about protecting their OHVs, such as side-by-sides, quads, and dirt bikes.

Westlock RCMP emphasizes the importance of keeping your property safe. You can do so by following these steps:

• When you’re done using your recreational vehicle, park it in a locked garage or shed.
• If you can’t park indoors, park your recreational vehicle in sight and chained to something.
• Follow a nightly checklist to ensure everything is locked up and secured for the night.
• To ensure maximum protection, turn on your outside lights at night.
• Make sure you have a timer for lights and surveillance cameras installed.

Westlock RCMP ask that motorists slow down on highways and rural roads. In Alberta, standard speed limits are established for different roadways for the safety of those traveling on them.

Unless otherwise posted, the following speed limits apply in Alberta:

• 100 km/h on a provincial highway located outside an urban area.
• 80 km/h on a provincial highway located inside a corporate limit of a city.
• 80 km/h on a roadway that is located outside an urban area.
• 50 km/h on a roadway that is located within an urban area, unless otherwise posted.

Rural roads present unique risks, including livestock and wildlife, unmarked intersections and blind curves, as well as varying and sometimes poor surfaces. These roads require safe speeds and the full attention of motorists.

Speeding fines and demerits range in severity.

• Exceed speed limit up to 15 km/h over – 2 demerits and up to $126 fine
• Exceed speed limit by 16 to 30 km/h – 3 demerits and up to $249 fine
• Exceed speed limit by 31 to 50 km/h – 4 demerits and up to $495 fine

Fine amounts double when construction workers or emergency responders are present.

To avoid speeding, the RCMP recommends giving yourself enough travel time, limiting distractions while driving, and being aware of posted limits in playground and construction zones.

Teaching children to recognize an emergency, stay calm, and call for help is crucial for keeping them safe. Whether they are at home, at school, or out in the community, knowing what to do can empower them to act quickly and responsibly.

Westlock RCMP offer the following tips to help parents and caregivers know when and how to talk to kids about emergencies:

• Children as young as four or five can begin to understand basic safety skills and how to react in different situations. Whether it’s a medical emergency, fire, or suspicious activity, having a plan helps children feel more confident and prepared.
• Teach children that while helping in an emergency is important, they should never put themselves in danger because staying safe is always the first step.
• Show children how to use a phone to dial 911 and explain which emergencies require that call. Make sure children can provide relevant information during the call, including details of the event, full names, address and a parent or guardian’s phone number.
• Role-play different emergency situations—like someone getting hurt, a fire in the home, or a stranger at the door—and talk through the steps they should take.
• Make sure children know how to exit the house safely, where to meet outside, and who to contact if they can’t reach you.
• Help your child understand who they can trust in a crisis, such as police officers, firefighters and other first responders.
• Post a list of emergency contacts near the phone or on the fridge in case a child needs quick access during a stressful moment.
• Revisit emergency plans regularly and treat the conversation as a normal part of staying safe—just like wearing a seatbelt or looking both ways before crossing the street. Familiarizing children with emergency situations can reduce panic or fear in a real event.