(Image Credit: Prince George RCMP)
Security

Prince George RCMP expands free security evaluation program for homes and businesses

Jul 21, 2026 | 11:14 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — The Prince George RCMP is expanding a crime prevention initiative aimed at helping residents and business owners make their properties safer and less attractive to criminal activity.

The detachment’s Community Policing Unit has announced an expansion of its Home and Business Security Evaluations program, a free service designed to identify areas in homes, businesses and other properties that may unintentionally create opportunities for crime or nuisance behaviour.

The program focuses on examining how spaces are designed and used, with officers providing recommendations that can help improve safety and reduce vulnerabilities. Police say many property owners may not realize that certain layouts, blind spots or access points can make a location more susceptible to unwanted activity.

According to the RCMP, the program incorporates principles from Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, commonly known as CPTED. The approach focuses on using thoughtful property design and management practices to deter crime and create safer communities.

“We use, in part, crime prevention through environmental design principles, which emphasize that well-designed, actively used spaces can help reduce crime and contribute to safer, more vibrant communities,” said Sonja Towle, Community Policing Coordinator for the Prince George RCMP.

The evaluations are based on four key concepts.

The first is Natural Access Control, which involves guiding people through spaces using real or perceived barriers to discourage unauthorized entry.

The second principle, Natural Surveillance, focuses on improving visibility by arranging physical features, activities and land uses in ways that make it easier for people to observe their surroundings.

A third component, territoriality, emphasizes design elements that create a clear sense of ownership and responsibility for a space.

The final principle, Maintenance, highlights the importance of keeping properties clean and well cared for to support visibility, deter disorder and reinforce community pride.

Police say the program is available for a variety of locations, including homes, businesses, buildings and public spaces. In addition to conducting evaluations, the Community Policing Unit also offers educational sessions to help residents better understand crime prevention strategies and property security.

The RCMP hopes the expanded program will encourage a proactive approach to public safety by helping people identify and address concerns before they become problems.

Anyone interested in arranging a security evaluation or learning more about the program can contact the Prince George RCMP Community Policing Unit at 250-561-3366.