Alberta RCMP are encouraging farmers to make sure their yards are secured before heading out to the fields.

Corporal Ronald Bumbry says slip tanks, outbuildings and vehicles should be kept locked.

"Due to the warmer weather, we do see somewhat of an increase of property related thefts and crimes," Bumbry explains.

Alberta RCMP say fuel thefts and break and enters generally increase in the spring with peaks in the summer month.

Their other crime prevention tips include installing a security camera, purchasing special locking fuel caps for slip tanks, installing bolt locks on outbuildings and investing in security lights with motion sensors.

Bumbry reminds farmers to keep their vehicles and equipment locked if they're left out in the field.

"What we're noticing with some of our property offenders is that they need to get form point A to point B. What type of vehicle that they get there using really doesn't matter."

He says you should also make sure to remove personal belongings from equipment before locking things up to leave the field.

For videos to learn more crime prevention tips and how to you can protect your rural property more effectively, you can visit their YouTube channel.