Police are asking people to be on the look-out after a significant spike in residential break-ins in Richmond.
From November to December, burglaries have shot up a worrying 42 per cent compared to the same period the previous year.
“We normally see a slight increase around this time of year,” said Richmond RCMP’s Cpl. Dennis Hwang.
“However, our numbers are above normal and we are tracking them carefully. Property crimes are largely being committed by individuals to fuel a drug habit.
“They are looking for property to quickly convert into cash to be used to purchase illicit drugs.”
Items commonly stolen, added Hwang, are jewelry, cash and personal electronics.
“Our patrol officers and officers from other specialized units have been re-tasked to focus on these residential burglaries in light of this recent increase,” said Hwang.
“In your neighbourhood, we ask that you try and establish a baseline for what goes on.
“What this means is that your knowledge of your neighbourhood and the day to day activities of those around you will help to establish what is considered normal or, your baseline.”
If you notice something inconsistent with your “baseline,” the police would like to know about it.
For example, if you see a vehicle that’s not normally one that your neighbours would drive or inconsistent to what might belong in that neighbourhood, let the police know.
“Try to commit the description of that vehicle and any details of it to memory,” said Hwang.
“If you see someone standing around a house when you know your neighbour has gone to work, let us know.
“If you see someone on a bicycle wearing a hoodie looking into windows of cars or homes, let us know.”
If you have new camera technology installed in your home like a Wi-Fi or network camera – then send the owner an image or live feed when motion is detected.
If the image captures someone looking into your home or car, that image could help police.
“A good phrase to remember is: See something, say something,” said Hwang.
“Another consideration is introducing Block Watch to your neighbourhood.
“They can help provide the tools and the mindset to be mindful of crime in our neighbourhoods.”
If you’re interested in joining Block Watch, contact coordinator Rita Leung for more information at 604-278-1212.
Tips to Better Protect Your Home:
• Use tamper-resistant motion sensing lighting
• Keep garage door openers hidden when stored in your vehicle. Thieves have been known to break into vehicles only to steal the garage door opener
• If you have a pet, they are often the best security system
• Keep a radio/TV on a medium volume. This can assist in making it sound like someone is at home.
• Keep interior lighting on a timer.
• Make sure your residence is well kept with mail, newspapers, and flyers removed.
• Make sure exterior doors and windows are properly locked and secured.
• Consider a security system. Many new technologies have brought down the cost of monitoring including wireless video cameras
To Better Protect Your Vehicle’s Contents from Theft
• Make sure doors are secured and locked
• Remove any portable GPS units or dash cams or other personal electronics out of sight when leaving your vehicle
• Remove any loose change
• Keep all shopping bags locked in your trunk. If you have a hatchback or SUV make sure items are covered with cargo cover
• Try to avoid multiple trips back to your vehicle to drop off purchases
