West Vancouver Police is urging the local residents to regularly review home security following residential break-ins where half of suspects climbed to upper floors of homes before entering through balcony doors or windows.
Investigators are working to identify a suspect or suspects in a break-in Monday found that on three occasions earlier this month the homeowner had noted persons knocking on the door between7:00 pm and 9:00 pm. On the first two occasions no one remained when the door was answered.
On the third occasion, the homeowner opened the door and saw a male in dark clothing on the driveway.
When asked by the homeowner, the male said only that he was seeking food donations and walked away. Anyone soliciting for donations or commercial purposes in West Vancouver is required to obtain a business licence and should be willing to properly identify themselves and their organization upon request. The homeowner did not contact police prior to noting the eventual break-in.
No link has been confirmed between the unknown male and the break-in, however, investigators believe it is possible the unknown male was in the neighbourhood looking for properties to target for theft.
If you have reason to believe an individual or vehicle is suspicious, call West VancouverPolice at 604-925-7300 to request a check of the area by patrol officers.
Additionally, in a number of the offences late last year and early in 2018, homes were broken into while temporarily unoccupied due to either vacations or extended absences of residents. If you plan to be away consider additional preventive steps before departure.
In December last year, Crown Counsel approved charges in connection with a residential break-in that turned violent.
