Watch out! Break-and-enters in West Van shoot up by 65 per cent

West Vancouver Police Department (WVPD) is asking that residents report any suspicious activity after an increase in residential break-and-enters in July.

From July 1 to 30 this year, there have been 29 reported residential break-and-enters in the district and 108 year-to-date. That’s a 65 per cent increase when compared to a five-year average.

Officers are actively investigating these incidents and utilising numerous resources including forensic investigators, our major investigations team and criminal intelligence officers, to identify any potential suspects.

So far, investigators have secured CCTV footage from multiple locations that shows suspects wearing hoods and gloves.

The suspects are stealing various types of property, including personal accessories, jewelry, electronic devices and sports equipment.

WVPD is asking that residents take the following precautionary measures in order to lessen their chances of becoming a victim:

Lock and secure your property when nobody is home.
Ensure your home alarm is operating properly.
Ensure you are proficient in accessing your CCTV footage.
Update notification agreements with alarm companies, for those with monitored systems.
Do not leave easily accessible ladders on your property.
Ensure your home has adequate exterior lighting.
Let your neighbours know if you plan to be away for extended periods of time.
Arrange for someone to check on your property if you plan to be away for extended periods of time.
Report all suspicious activity to police immediately.

“The people responsible for these break-and-enters are looking for items of high value, and seem to be targeting homes that appear unoccupied at the time,” says Constable Kevin Goodmurphy. “We want to remind our residents that if they see or hear suspicious activity, to contact us immediately.”