Spike in thefts in West Vancouver

WEST VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Homes in West Vancouver’s British Properties are seemingly being targeted by a group of sophisticated thieves, who police say, are keeping a very close eye on homeowners.

Police are reporting a spike in the number of residential break and enters in the month of July. From Jul. 1 to 30, investigators say there have been more than two dozen B&Es across the district and a total of 108 to date — which is a 65 per cent bump compared to the five-year average.

Police in West Vancouver are seeing a spike in break and enters at British Properties. (West Vancouver Police)

Const. Kevin Goodmurphy says it looks like the thieves are casing the neighbourhood and moving in when there’s no one around: “These homes are being targeted when the suspects believe the people are gone out of the home, whether that’s on holidays or away at a job perhaps during the day, or away overnight.”

The numbers police are making public could be higher if everyone who was affected or saw something suspicious actually reported it.

“They may have had people coming to their door, ringing their doorbell or saw somebody in the neighbourhood who didn’t quite fit it in their mind and they don’t always report that to us. We really want to encourage people to phone in any suspicious activity they may see in the district. If people aren’t feeling very comfortable about anything, whether it be a person or a vehicle in the area, we want to hear about it.”

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The motive is unclear and police stress West Vancouver is being targeted right now, but these kinds of thefts happen region-wide.

“The reality here is these crimes are cross-jurisdictional. They’re not just happening in West Vancouver, they’re happening in other areas of Metro Vancouver. I think anybody who has valuable items, which I think people assume you keep in your homes are a target, and there are certain steps we can promote to the public that can help minimize their risk of being a victim of this kind of crime.”

Tips to prevent break-and-enters

• 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 on being away for extended periods of time

• Arrange for someone to check on your property if you plan on being away for extended periods of time

• Report all suspicious activity to police immediately

  (Courtesy West Vancouver Police)

Investigators have CCTV footage from multiple locations showing some of the group of thieves, who are likely using a getaway car, and they’re hoping someone can help them identify who may be involved. They’re wearing hoodies and gloves and in one case are seen taking a safe.

West Vancouver police are releasing images of suspects in a string of break and enters at British Properties.

Jewels, electronics and sports equipment are some of the items stolen. Goodmurphy estimates the costs associated with the thefts is believed to be in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Anybody with information about these thefts is asked to call West Vancouver Police at 604.925.7300 or CrimeStoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS.