High River RCMP stopped a would be thief, thanks to an alert on a homeowners smart phone Tuesday, January 19.

Staff Sergeant Robin Alexander says, the homeowner saw a trespasser remotely on her phone. He says, these cameras can prevent crime before it  happens.

"I think they're great, I'm of the understanding you might get a break on your insurance if you have them installed in your home, and it really advances our investigation."

He says, the system along with the involvement of a neighbour helped police catch the alleged suspect.

The key to effective policing is more community involvement, Alexander says.

"My message to the people in the area is, if you see something that doesn't look right or someone in your neighbourhood that looks suspicious, please call. He says, "We'd rather come and check

it out and see if it's just someone out for a stroll."

Alexander says, the homeowner was in Okotoks having lunch when she got the alert on her smart phone.

"The most effective deterrent to crime is community involvement, not police patrols. If everyone keeps an eye on each other we're going to have a much safer community", he says.