REGINA — Saskatchewan RCMP report that break and enters in Saskatchewan remained relatively stable between 2023 and 2024, with a two per cent increase noted year over year.
Officers indicate break-ins to non-dwelling places, such as sheds, outbuildings and abandoned houses, are the driving force of this increase. In contrast, residential break-ins in Saskatchewan have continued to decrease, dropping 15 per cent over the last decade.
Although the number of residential break-ins is decreasing, break-ins to residences remain the most common type of break and enter in Saskatchewan.
“If there is one place that people want to feel safe, it is within their own homes. Property crime, such as break and enters, can take away that feeling of safety. Although break-ins may not cause physical harm, they are violating and intrusive,” says S/Sgt. Jill McLaren, the officer who leads Saskatchewan RCMP’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Unit.
While break and enters can affect anyone, it’s promising to see that it’s impacting 15 per cent less residences than it did a decade ago – that’s over 300 fewer households dealing with this issue. Though we can’t speculate on the cause of this decrease, staying alert and reporting suspicious activity can make a difference. Every tip helps officers better understand crime patterns and respond more effectively. The eyes and ears of the public are key to us seeing these rates drop even further.”
The Saskatchewan RCMP takes property crime seriously, following up on all credible information that is provided to police. For instance, in June 2025, a string of rural property break and enters were reported in the Swift Current Rural detachment area. Officers thoroughly investigated, and with the assistance of the public’s crime reporting, officers arrested two individuals and laid more than 80 charges. As a result of further investigation, officers linked the suspects to two additional residential break-ins in Maple Creek’s detachment area.
Breaking down how to deter break-ins
Break and enters are a crime driven by opportunity – when a place looks unoccupied and unsecured, it becomes an easy target for thieves. Saskatchewan RCMP advise the public to take the following precautions to help continue this downward trend of residential break-ins:
- Have eyes on your property: Consider installing a monitored security or alarm system. Install motion-sensor security lights and timer lights that turn on at sundown to illuminate your property and discourage trespassers. Trim trees and other brush in your yard to make for easy property monitoring.
- Out of sight is best: Limit the number of valuable items in your home that someone could see from a window or entryway. Do not leave spare keys in an obvious spot. Keep valuable items in a safe that is hidden.
- Make sure its locked: Lock and secure your doors and windows – even if you are home and in your backyard.
- Ensure it looks occupied: An empty house is a thieves’ playground. Make your home appear inhabited – even if it’s not. If you’re going away, ask someone you trust to stay at your place or keep an eye on your property. Avoid posting details on social media that imply you are not home.
If you witness suspicious activity, or if you are a victim of property crime, report information to Saskatchewan RCMP by calling 310-RCMP or by using the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Online Crime Reporting tool. The public can also report information anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com
