West Vancouver Police remind residents to report suspicious behaviour after a resident called 911 about a man who knocked on their door three times in one evening with odd and increasingly intrusive requests.
The man offered pest control services, then returned to ask if the resident owned the home, and finally returned a third time asking if he could come inside the house for a glass of water. The resident declined each request, gave no personal information, and did not allow the man to enter. Police were called, but the suspect had already left the area when officers arrived.
Police say that while the man didn’t force entry, such behaviour can be a red flag. “Unsolicited offers or requests to enter your home have, in past cases, been linked to suspects checking properties for theft opportunities,” the department said in a Block Watch update this week.
E-bike, building keys stolen
Police also remind residents to secure bikes, fobs, and vehicle doors after several property crimes in West Vancouver this week.
In one case, a suspect pried open a lock box attached to an apartment building near the Community Centre and stole the keys and a building fob. While the fob has been deactivated and locks changed, police say the incident is a reminder that thieves often look for indirect ways to gain access to homes.
Elsewhere, an e-bike left unsecured in a Burley Park carport was stolen, and two thefts from vehicles involved items taken from cars that had been left unlocked. “Please double-check that doors are locked and valuables removed,” police advised. “Thieves are looking for easy targets.”
He “solicited” my place as well. Also asked for a drink of water. However, asked if I was the boss and then repeatedly if I was single and lived alone. Whilst eyeballing around me to see inside. Made a report with the police as well.