Crime & Justice

Rural Break-Ins on the Rise Across Saskatchewan

A growing wave of rural thefts has left homeowners feeling vulnerable, with law enforcement scrambling to respond across wide, isolated territories.

Published April 12, 2025 | By Jordan Whitmore

Rural communities across Saskatchewan are sounding the alarm as a spike in break-ins and property theft rattles farm owners and small-town residents alike. In the last three months, reported incidents have more than doubled compared to the same period last year, according to provincial law enforcement data.

Many of the targeted homes and barns are located in remote areas, often with long distances between neighbours and limited street lighting. Thieves are said to be stealing tools, generators, and even livestock in some cases, exploiting the slower police response times common in rural jurisdictions.

“We’re used to leaving our doors unlocked, trusting our neighbours,” said Judy McLaren, a resident of a farm near Moose Jaw. “But now everyone’s installing cameras and buying floodlights. It’s a different feeling.”

RCMP officials believe that organized groups may be scouting vulnerable properties in advance, sometimes posing as salespeople or delivery drivers to assess access points. Patrols have increased in some hot zones, but officers say the sheer size of the territory makes consistent coverage a challenge.

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) has launched an awareness campaign encouraging residents to report suspicious activity, no matter how small. They’re also working with local governments to improve rural road signage and surveillance coverage in key intersections.

Some communities are experimenting with digital neighbourhood watch groups, coordinating real-time alerts via encrypted messaging apps. In one case near Swift Current, farmers used drone footage to help identify a getaway vehicle after spotting it on a private feed.

Legal experts warn, however, against taking matters into one’s own hands. “While we understand the frustration, vigilantism could lead to unintended consequences,” said Crown prosecutor Fiona Leclerc. “The best tool is cooperation and evidence gathering, not confrontation.”

Insurance companies are also taking note. Some rural policyholders have seen slight increases in premiums, while others are being asked to install motion-sensor lights and lockable storage for expensive machinery as conditions of coverage.

For many, the increase in rural crime feels like a violation not just of property, but of a long-standing prairie value: trust. “This isn’t just about stolen tools,” McLaren said. “It’s about a way of life being shaken.”