Saskatchewan RCMP say break and enters across the province remained relatively steady between 2023 and 2024, with a two per cent increase reported year over year.
Police say the rise was driven primarily by incidents at non-residential properties such as sheds, outbuildings and abandoned homes. In contrast, residential break-ins have declined by 15 per cent over the past decade.
Despite the long-term decrease, RCMP say break-ins to homes remain the most common type of break and enter reported in Saskatchewan.
“If there is one place that people want to feel safe, it is within their own homes,” said Staff Sgt. Jill McLaren, head of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Unit. “Although break-ins may not cause physical harm, they are violating and intrusive.”
McLaren said over 300 fewer Saskatchewan households were impacted by residential break-ins in 2024 compared to a decade ago. While the RCMP is not speculating on what’s driving the decline, McLaren noted public awareness and crime reporting play a key role.
“Every tip helps officers better understand crime patterns and respond more effectively,” she said. “The eyes and ears of the public are key to us seeing these rates drop even further.”
RCMP say property crime remains a policing priority, and officers follow up on all credible tips. In June 2025, Swift Current Rural RCMP investigated a series of rural break-ins, resulting in the arrest of two individuals and more than 80 charges laid. The investigation later linked the suspects to additional residential break-ins in the Maple Creek area.
Police say break-and-enters are often crimes of opportunity and have outlined several ways for the public to help deter theft.
Tips include keeping doors and windows locked—even when at home—installing security systems and motion-sensor lights, and avoiding leaving valuables in plain sight. RCMP also suggest asking a neighbour or friend to monitor your property if you plan to be away and avoiding social media posts that suggest your home is unoccupied.
Suspicious activity or property crimes can be reported to Saskatchewan RCMP by calling 310-RCMP or by using the RCMP’s Online Crime Reporting tool. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
The figures were released as part of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s 2024 crime statistics and annual trends. The data reflects incidents reported in areas under RCMP jurisdiction, which are tracked and analyzed annually by Statistics Canada.
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