Surrey RCMP are reminding the public about some basic crime-prevention tips after a series of residential break-and-enters in the Newton area over the past few weeks.
While thieves target high-value items that are kept in plain view and easy to sell, they are also attracted to specific items such as gold jewelry that may be kept unsecured in the home.
Police urge residents not to keep their valuables in obvious hiding spots such as inside bedroom drawers, closets, or clothing. Safeguarding valuables in a safety deposit box or a secured safe will make them less accessible for thieves and act as a stronger deterrent.
Police suggest engraving valuables and taking photos of them to make them more easily identifiable if lost or stolen.
Surrey RCMP Cpl. Bert Paquet says many of the recent break-ins have occurred in the afternoon hours and have involved insecure premises. As a result, Community Safety Officers are speaking with those affected in the community to take the necessary precautions to ensure that their homes are properly secured.
“Surrey RCMP’s General Duty officers and Property Crime Units are actively investigating these incidents with the help of our Crime Analysts,” said Paquet. “Investigators believe that a small group of individuals may be responsible for a vast majority of these incidents.”
Anyone with further information on these incidents is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS if they wish to remain anonymous.
For more information on protecting your home visit the Surrey RCMP's Home Security checklist: http://bit.ly/UZ9s4v