PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. – Rural residents in the Prince Albert area are being encouraged to remain vigilant and take steps to protect their properties after a recent increase in break-and-enter incidents prompted additional police patrols.
According to Saskatchewan RCMP, Prince Albert RCMP responded to 33 reports of break-ins and break-and-enters in September 2026, compared with 11 incidents in August, representing a significant month-over-month increase.
Despite the recent spike, RCMP statistics show overall property crime trends in the Prince Albert Rural area have improved compared with last year. Between January and September 2026, reports of break-and-enters were down nine per cent, mischief-related property damage incidents were down four per cent, and thefts were down 26 per cent compared with the same period in 2025.
Prince Albert RCMP, which polices the rural area surrounding Prince Albert, said it may utilize specialized RCMP units and provincial resources to support patrols and investigations when required.
The Rural Municipality of Paddockwood recently issued a community safety bulletin warning residents about an increase in property crime and break-ins across the region.
The RM of Paddockwood was also warning residents about a pattern in which suspects appear to scout properties before committing crimes.
"Individuals have been scouting farmyards and residential acreages well before the actual robberies, sometimes days or weeks ahead of time," the municipality said in its bulletin.
The municipality outlined several steps residents can take to reduce the risk of becoming victims of property crime.
The RM of Paddockwood recommended building strong communication networks with neighbours, exchanging contact information and notifying one another about suspicious activity.
Residents are also being urged to lock homes, vehicles, garages, shops, sheds and fuel tanks at all times. Keys, wallets, tools and garage door remotes should not be left inside vehicles or equipment.
The RM also encouraged property owners to install and maintain security measures, including cameras, driveway alarms and motion-activated lighting.
RCMP advise residents to call 911 if they witness an active crime or emergency in progress and not to confront suspects themselves.
Suspicious activity and non-emergency incidents can be reported to:
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Prince Albert RCMP: 306-765-5500
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Nipawin/Smeaton RCMP: 306-862-6270
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Province-wide RCMP line: 310-RCMP
The RM of Paddockwood is also encouraging residents to participate in local crime watch initiatives, community RCMP meetings and neighbourhood communication networks to help improve community safety.
